baby food to travel with

How to Pack Baby Food for Travel

When I’m preparing for a trip, figuring out how to keep my baby well-fed and content is always at the forefront of my mind. It’s quite different from packing just for myself. I initially thought managing feeding times while on the move would be a major challenge, but I’ve come to realize it’s all about clever packing and a bit of planning ahead.

In this guide, I’m eager to share with you everything I’ve picked up about packing baby food for travel. Whether we’re flying high or cruising on the road, I’ve stumbled upon some handy tips and tricks to keep those little tummies satisfied, ensuring our travels are as smooth as possible.

Understanding Baby’s Needs

When it comes to traveling with my little one, keeping a slice of our home routine intact is pivotal. It’s not just about the meals; it’s about providing a sense of comfort and predictability for my baby, even when we’re far from the familiar surroundings of home.

Feeding Schedule Consistency

Maintaining regular meal times is a lifesaver. I quickly realized that a content baby is one who knows what’s coming next. So, despite the shifting sceneries and time zones, sticking to our standard feeding timetable as much as possible became my mission.

Nutritional Balance

While on the move, it’s tempting to opt for the quickest meal solutions. However, ensuring my baby receives a balanced diet remains a priority. With some forward-thinking, I’ve managed to prepare and pack meals that are both handy and wholesome, closely mirroring what we’d have at home.

Anticipating Needs and Staying Hydrated

One of my top travel tips is to anticipate my baby’s needs before they become apparent. Having small, readily accessible portions of their preferred snacks and meals makes all the difference. And, keeping my baby hydrated is essential, particularly during travels. I always carry a refillable water bottle, making sure my baby stays hydrated wherever our adventures take us.

Types of Baby Food for Travel

When planning our trips , deciding what food to bring for my baby always takes center stage. I’ve found that having a variety of options is key to a smooth trip, especially when dealing with the unpredictability of travel schedules.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade

I’ve leaned on store-bought baby food for its convenience, especially those handy pouches and jars that fit so easily into my bag. But, I also see the charm in homemade purees and mashes. They require a bit more effort to prepare and pack, but knowing exactly what’s in my baby’s food gives me peace of mind.

Formula Feeding on the Go

For parents relying on formula, travel presents its own set of challenges and solutions. Powdered formula is a go-to due to its lightweight and long shelf life, making it perfect for longer trips . Ready-to-feed formula, while heavier, cuts down on prep time, a blessing when you’re in a pinch.

Snacks and Finger Foods

As my little one grew, introducing finger foods and snacks into the mix became a game. It’s all about balance — offering nutritious options that also keep my baby engaged and happy, especially during longer stretches of travel.

Choosing the right types of food for travel comes down to balancing convenience, nutritional value, and what your baby prefers. I always aim for a mix that keeps my little one satisfied and eager for their next meal, even when we’re miles away from our kitchen.

Packing Essentials for Baby Food

Packing baby food for travel isn’t just about throwing things into a bag. It’s an art form, or at least that’s what I’ve come to believe. Each item has its place, and every choice is about making mealtime on the move as smooth as possible.

The Right Containers

Finding the perfect containers was a game-changer for me. I needed something leak-proof to avoid any mid-journey spills, BPA-free for safety, and with compartments to keep different foods separate and organized. It took some trial and error, but I’ve built up a collection of containers that tick all these boxes.

Keeping Things Fresh

Next up, keeping the food fresh. For this, insulated bags and ice packs became my best friends. They’re especially handy for longer trips where access to a fridge might not be guaranteed. It’s all about maintaining the right temperature to keep homemade purees and cut fruits fresh until it’s time to eat.

Utensils and Cleaning Up

Then there’s the feeding gear. I never leave without a couple of baby spoons, a portable bib, and a few bowls. And for cleanup? A pack of wet wipes, a small bottle of dish soap, and a portable bottle brush have saved me from many sticky situations.

Travel Considerations

Navigating travel with a baby in tow means thinking ahead and planning for all sorts of scenarios. Every trip is a learning curve, showing me new tricks to make the journey smoother for both of us.

Choosing the Right Mode of Travel

Whether we’re flying, driving, or taking the train, each mode of travel comes with its own set of challenges and perks. Flying means navigating airport security with baby food and gear, but it’s often faster. Road trips offer more control over stops and meal times, yet they require more entertainment to keep my baby happy. Trains strike a nice balance with their gentle motion and spacious seating, but you’re on their schedule, not yours.

Duration and Destination

The length of the trip and our destination heavily influence what I pack. Short jaunts mean I can pack lighter , bringing just enough to get us through. Longer trips require more food, backup options, and a keen eye on variety to keep things interesting for my little one. And the destination matters too; heading somewhere with easy access to baby-friendly foods and amenities means I can pack a bit lighter.

Staying Flexible

Above all, I’ve learned the importance of flexibility. Delays happen, plans change, and babies can be unpredictably picky. Having a variety of food options, backup plans, and a relaxed attitude has been my saving grace more times than I can count. It’s about making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

Food Safety and Hygiene

Keeping my baby’s food safe and clean while traveling is something I take seriously. It’s not just about avoiding messes; it’s about ensuring my little one’s health and well-being, no matter where we are.

Temperature Matters

I learned early on that the right temperature is crucial, especially for homemade baby food and milk. A good set of ice packs and an insulated bag are essential for keeping cold things cold. And for those times when I need to warm up a bottle or food, I’ve found some handy portable warmers that do the trick without needing a power outlet.

Clean Feeding Tools

Then there’s the matter of keeping everything clean. At home, I have my whole setup for washing and sterilizing feeding tools, but on the road, I’ve had to get creative. I always pack a mini cleaning kit including:

• Small bottle of dish soap for thorough cleaning.
• Collapsible basin, handy for washing up in any location.
• Travel-sized bottle brush for scrubbing bottles and utensils.
• Pack of sanitizing wipes for quick and easy cleanups on the go.

Being Prepared for Anything

Despite my best efforts, sometimes things don’t go as planned. A spill, a forgotten item, or a sudden change in my baby’s appetite can throw a wrench in my well-laid plans. That’s why I always pack extra of everything: extra food, extra spoons, even extra bibs. It might seem like overkill, but when you’re miles from home and your baby’s lunch ends up on the floor instead of in their belly, you’ll be glad for that backup pouch of puree you stashed away.

Nutrition and Variety

When we’re out exploring new places, I want to make sure my baby isn’t just full, but also getting all the good stuff they need to grow strong and healthy. This means keeping an eye on nutrition and mixing things up to keep meal times interesting.

Keeping It Balanced

I aim for a balance in my baby’s diet, just like we do at home. This means a good mix of fruits, veggies, grains, and proteins. I’ve gotten pretty good at packing a variety of purees and finger foods that cover all the bases, nutritionally speaking. And when I opt for store-bought options, I read labels carefully to ensure they’re meeting my baby’s dietary needs.

Introducing New Tastes

Traveling is a great opportunity to introduce my little one to new tastes. Of course, I do this cautiously, sticking to one new food at a time to watch for any adverse reactions. It’s amazing to see their reactions to new flavors, and I love that travel can be part of their food exploration journey.

Snack Time is Fun Time

Snacks aren’t just fillers between meals; they’re an opportunity for nutrition and fun. I pack a variety of snacks, from crunchy veggie sticks to soft fruit pieces and whole-grain crackers. It’s all about offering options that are not only healthy but also engaging for my baby, keeping them content and occupied, especially during those longer stretches of travel.

Practical Tips

Over time, I’ve picked up a handful of practical tips that have made traveling with baby food much easier. These little nuggets of wisdom help keep meal times running smoothly, even when we’re far from the comforts of home.

I can’t stress enough the importance of planning. Before any trip, I spend some time thinking about how many meals we’ll need, what kind of food to bring, and how I’ll store and serve it. This might involve cooking and freezing some batches of homemade puree or mapping out where I can buy baby food on the road.

Feeding on the Go

Feeding my baby while we’re out and about has its own set of challenges. I’ve learned to always have a ready-to-eat meal or snack on hand for those unpredictable moments. Portable, no-mess options like pouches or pre-measured formula powder can be lifesavers during a flight delay or unexpected traffic.

Cleaning Shortcuts

Without access to my full kitchen, I’ve had to find shortcuts for cleaning feeding supplies. In addition to the mini cleaning kit I mentioned earlier, I also rely heavily on pre-sterilized, disposable feeding items for those times when thorough washing isn’t possible. It’s all about finding a balance between convenience and maintaining cleanliness.

Emergency Alternatives

Even with the best-laid plans, I’ve learned to expect the unexpected. That’s why I always have a backup plan for feeding my baby, especially when we’re on the move.

Extra Supplies

I pack extra of everything: more food pouches, an additional box of formula, and even spare spoons and bibs. These extras aren’t just for convenience; they’re my safety net. If a flight gets delayed or we’re stuck in traffic longer than anticipated, I know I’ve got enough to keep my little one happy and fed.

Local Stores and Brands

Before we set off, I do a bit of research on our destination, especially looking into local stores where I might find baby food. I also make a note of any local baby food brands that might be a good fit for my baby. This way, if I run out of the food I’ve brought, or if something goes awry, I know exactly where to head to restock.

Simple Recipes

I’ve also memorized a few simple, no-cook baby food recipes that I can whip up almost anywhere. All I need are a couple of basic ingredients that are easy to find, like bananas or avocados, and I can prepare a quick meal. This has come in handy more times than I can count, especially in places where ready-made baby food isn’t readily available.

Air Travel with Baby Food: Understanding TSA Guidelines

Flying with a baby brings its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to mealtime. Thankfully, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific guidelines that make traveling with baby food, formula, breast milk, and juice less stressful.

TSA Regulations on Baby Food and Liquids

The TSA allows parents and guardians to bring more than the standard 3.4 ounces of liquids if it’s for the baby. This includes purees, formula, breast milk, water for mixing formula, and juice in “reasonable quantities for the flight.” It’s a relief, knowing I can pack enough to keep my little one fed and happy without having to squeeze everything into tiny containers .

Screening Process for Baby Food

During the security screening , I always declare all the baby food and liquids I’m carrying to the TSA officer. These items may need to go through additional screening, which could include opening the containers. I’ve found that being upfront and cooperative with the TSA staff makes this process smoother. Sometimes, they might also ask to screen my hands, which is a standard procedure when carrying baby food.

Tips for a Hassle-Free Security Check

To ensure a smooth passage through security, I keep all baby food and liquids easily accessible in my carry-on. This way, I can quickly present them for inspection without holding up the line. I also pack a little extra in case of delays, but I make sure it’s a reasonable amount that the TSA won’t question.

Understanding and following these TSA guidelines has significantly eased my stress about flying with my baby. It’s all about preparation and communication, ensuring that my baby’s needs and the security requirements are met, making our flying experience as smooth as possible.

Packing Checklist for Baby Food Travel

Creating a checklist has been incredibly helpful for me. It keeps me organized and ensures I don’t overlook anything vital, reducing travel anxiety. Here’s the essential list I’ve perfected over my travels:

Food and Feeding Essentials

• Baby Food: A balanced selection of homemade purees and convenient store-bought pouches, ensuring there’s more than enough to cover the trip and any unexpected delays.
• Formula: For formula-fed babies, ample supply of formula powder or ready-to-feed options, considering the journey’s length and a bit extra for just-in-case moments.
• Snacks: Various nutritious, baby-friendly snacks, perfect for on-the-go munching and keeping hunger at bay between meals.
• Bottles and Nipples: Enough for multiple feedings, considering the duration of the journey and potential delays, allowing for times when washing might not be an option.
• Sippy Cups: For older babies, sippy cups for water and other liquids to ensure they stay hydrated.

Feeding Tools and Accessories

• Spoons and Bowls: Baby-sized spoons and collapsible bowls that are easy to pack and clean.
• Bibs: A few waterproof or disposable bibs to keep meal times mess-free.
• Cleaning Supplies: Mini bottle of dish soap, portable bottle brush, and sanitizing wipes for quick cleanups.

Storage and Temperature Control

• Insulated Bag: To keep perishables at the right temperature.
• Ice Packs: For keeping food cool, especially useful for homemade purees or dairy products.
• Leak-proof Containers: Various sizes for storing different types of food and snacks, ensuring they stay fresh and are easy to access.

Miscellaneous

• Ziplock Bags : Handy for storing opened snacks, used utensils, or containing messes.
• Disposable Placemats : For cleaner feeding surfaces when dining out.
• First Aid Kit : Including baby-friendly remedies for common travel ailments.

This checklist has become my travel bible, ensuring I’m always prepared for meal times, no matter where our adventures take us. It’s all about having the right supplies on hand to keep feeding times smooth, safe, and enjoyable for my little one.

Traveling with baby food is all about preparation, understanding the rules, and a touch of creativity. By packing the right mix of foods, knowing airline regulations, and finding practical solutions for feeding and cleaning on the go, each journey can become a smooth experience. Whether you’re soaring in the skies or hitting the road, the focus should always be on your baby’s needs and comfort. Armed with these insights and tips, you’re well-prepared for a hassle-free adventure with your little one.

frequently asked questions

How do you manage baby food when traveling.

Managing baby food while traveling involves planning and flexibility. Pack a variety of baby food that’s easy to transport, like pouches or pre-measured formula. Use insulated bags to keep perishables fresh, and always have a cleaning kit for utensils.

How do you bring baby food on a plane?

You can bring baby food on a plane in reasonable quantities exceeding the usual liquid limits. Inform TSA officers at security, as baby food might require additional screening. Pack them in accessible parts of your carry-on for easy inspection.

How do you store baby food when going out?

Store baby food in leak-proof, insulated containers to maintain freshness. If using homemade purees, consider using ice packs in an insulated bag. For longer outings, opt for shelf-stable, store-bought options that don’t require refrigeration.

How do I keep my baby food cold while traveling?

To keep baby food cold, use insulated cooler bags with ice packs. Ensure the food is stored at the bottom of the bag, closest to the ice packs, for optimal cooling. Check the temperature regularly to ensure it stays cool.

How much baby food can I take on a plane?

There’s no specific limit to how much baby food you can take on a plane, but it should be a “reasonable quantity for the flight.” Pack what you need for the journey, plus a little extra for delays, and declare it at security.

Can I travel with baby food?

Yes, you can travel with baby food. Both homemade and store-bought options are allowed. For air travel, just be ready to declare these items at security, as they might need additional screening.

What is the 3 1 1 rule?

The 3-1-1 rule is a TSA guideline for carry-on liquids. It allows passengers to bring liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers of 3.4 ounces or less, packed in a single, clear, quart-sized bag. This rule doesn’t apply to baby food and medication.

Can I carry baby food in my hand luggage?

Yes, you can carry baby food in your hand luggage. Declare it at TSA checkpoints, as it may be subject to additional screening. There’s an exemption from the 3-1-1 liquids rule for baby food.

Can I fly with baby food pouches?

Yes, flying with baby food pouches is allowed. They’re convenient for travel and exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Just declare them at airport security, as they may need extra screening.

Can I bring baby water on a plane?

Yes, you can bring water for making baby formula on a plane. It’s exempt from the 3-1-1 rule but must be declared at TSA checkpoints for inspection. Consider using bottled water for convenience.

What snacks can babies have at the airport?

Babies can have a variety of snacks at the airport, including soft fruits, small pieces of cheese, yogurt pouches, and teething biscuits. Choose snacks that are easy to handle and not too messy.

How do you warm up baby food on a plane?

To warm up baby food on a plane, you can use a portable bottle warmer or ask a flight attendant for hot water to place the food container in for a few minutes. Always check the temperature before feeding.

How do you bottle-feed a baby on a plane?

To bottle feed a baby on a plane, bring pre-measured formula and bottled water, or pre-made formula. Use a bottle warmer or ask the flight attendant for warm water to mix the formula or heat the bottle.

I love to travel and see new places. It's so much fun to learn about different parts of the world. I've been to many places and have learned lots of tricks about how to pack my bag just right. I know how to fit everything I need in my backpack, so it's easy to carry.

I like helping others pack for their trips too. I can tell you what clothes are best to bring and how to put everything in your bag so you can find it easily. I've learned how to pack light but still have everything I need.

I share my packing tips on my blog and social media. People who like to travel find my tips really helpful. I enjoy showing others how to make traveling easier and more fun.

Traveling is not just about going to different places. It's about the fun things you do and the new friends you make. I want to help everyone have great trips and make happy memories. Come along with me, and let's have some exciting adventures together!

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How to pack — and prepare — for travel with a baby

About to take your first trip with a new baby ? Or maybe this isn't your first time traveling with your little one , but you'd like to pack more efficiently this time around.

It can be hard to know how to prepare and pack when you have a baby in tow. Babies often change so quickly that anticipating their needs can be complicated — especially if you're planning a longer trip.

In addition to typical packing concerns, such as the weather in your destination or luggage size restrictions, it's not always clear what you can carry on or must check when it comes to your infant. Here's our advice to help you prepare, pack and travel better with your baby.

Sign up to receive the daily TPG newsletter for more travel advice .

Choose accommodations wisely (and pack accordingly)

If you're traveling by car, you can easily pack a travel crib and other larger baby items.

However, if you're flying, choosing the right accommodation is the key to packing lighter, which is the goal. Toting around an infant is strain enough — staying somewhere that provides baby items means you can leave the extras at home.

Check with your hotel to see if it offers cribs or other baby items, as well as if it provides laundry services or facilities where you can do your own. Some hotels will even provide an extra fridge for milk storage upon request.

Often, a home rental might be a better choice than a hotel, assuming you pick the right one. Airbnb allows you to filter properties by items such as "crib" and "high chair." You can also message hosts to see if they have any other baby-friendly items available.

For example, I recently filtered an Airbnb search in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic to show only rentals that included a crib, high chair, washer and dryer. I ended up picking a rental that included not only the aforementioned items, but also a bottle sterilizer, bottle warmer and a few other infant-friendly items, which allowed me to pack less.

Some rentals I've stayed in even provided baby toys, books and cutlery. The key is communication. Don't hesitate to message and confirm the equipment again with hosts as you pack. You can also request or confirm that everything will be set up and ready for the baby upon your arrival.

Access to a washer and dryer is important since babies tend to have accidents or leaky diapers. Being able to do laundry also lets you pack fewer clothes. Also, if your rental is not a stand-alone house or a unit on the first floor, check that there is an elevator. A five-floor walk-up in a multi-unit building can be difficult with a stroller, shopping bags and baby in your arms.

Call your airline to understand the regulations

Depending on your airline, fare class and destination, you may have to adhere to different rules when it comes to traveling with an infant.

Those regulations can also vary depending on whether you've purchased a lap ticket versus a separate seat for your baby. In almost all cases, airlines allow travelers with an infant to gate-check a stroller or buggy, and some may also allow a car seat. Check with your airline ahead of time to understand baggage rules for your little one to avoid getting caught off guard at the airport or paying extra, especially when flying low-cost carriers like Ryanair or Spirit .

Flying with an infant in a car seat and hoping to bring it on the plane? Make sure it's approved for air travel. You may also want to request a bassinet for your baby, if the aircraft you're flying offers one (check the weight limits, however). Ask for an aisle seat, as it makes standing up with your baby much easier.

Invest in travel-friendly baby items

Having a dedicated (foldable) travel stroller will be useful beyond air travel. It's the perfect item to have when exploring a new city. Other key travel baby items to consider taking along are:

• Travel diaper backpack.
• Portable changing pad.
• Travel car seat.
• A bag for a car seat or stroller so these items aren't damaged if checked.
• Portable baby monitor.
• Baby carrier or wrap.
• Swaddle or baby blankets.
• Inflatable bathtub .
• Pack 'n Play or travel crib.
• Travel neck pillow (use it while feeding your baby).
• Baby chair strap.
• Disposable bottle liners.
• Disposable bibs.
• Portable blackout shades for travel cribs or strollers.

Purchase (or preorder) diapers, formula and more at your destination

Depending on how long your trip is and where you're headed, calculate (and it's always best to over-calculate) how many diapers you'll need for the trip.

If your baby uses a specific formula or baby food, make sure you know where to buy it at your destination. Amazon and other delivery services can be useful for ordering these items -- and remember, these services are available internationally, too. You can also compare ingredients to see if you can get a similar formula or food at your destination, so you won't have to load up your suitcase with diapers or formula.

Don't worry if you forget baby socks or another basic item. Babies live all over the world, so you'll likely find many basic items available for purchase wherever you are. If your baby requires something specific, though, pack it just in case.

There are also companies that rent baby gear in many destinations around the world. Research ahead of time to find out exactly where and how to obtain these necessary items, especially when traveling abroad .

Carry on the essentials (and extras)

Always pack your baby's key essentials in your carry-on . This includes comfort items like their favorite toy or pacifier, and extra clothes for both your baby and you (in case their wardrobe disaster becomes yours, as well). You should also pack enough food, diapers and other key items to last you through the trip, plus more for any possible delays and/or cancelations.

Here's a list of items you may want to keep in your carry-on bag :

• Extra clothing for you and your baby.
• Layers of clothing or blankets (plane temperatures are often extreme).
• Pacifier and clip (and backup).
• Comfort toy(s) or blanket.
• Extra diapers.
• Breast pump.
• Snacks (for you and your baby).
• Baby wipes.
• Sanitizing wipes.
• Extra bibs.
• Ziploc bags for stowing soiled clothing (or a reusable, waterproof bag).
• Baby Tylenol or any infant medications.
• A basic first aid kit.
• Small toy(s).

The rest of your baby's items, like additional clothing, blankets and more, can go in your checked bag. If you're checking more than one bag, split your baby's items among different checked suitcases. That way you'll be covered if the airline loses one of your suitcases.

Know the security regulations and have a backup plan

On a recent call to Iberia Airlines , I was told I could bring "reasonable quantities" of formula and breast milk through security. However, the representative also told me that in some cases during security checks, certain agents might not allow me to pass these items through security at the Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) . What?

Not all security checks, Transportation Security Administration agents or customs agents are alike, and each country, airport or airline may have specific regulations. Call ahead of time and prepare for things to not go as planned. If you do use formula, take your bottles already mixed, but also bring extra powder in case you need to prepare new bottles on board.

If you're pumping, it might also be a good idea to bring both a hand pump and an electric pump in case you have limited access to electricity or encounter issues with electrical outlets or voltage when traveling internationally.

Arriving at the airport early is always a good idea, because you may not breeze through security as you might have in your pre-baby days. Everything takes longer with an infant, so having that extra time can ensure a low stress travel experience. Take advantage and board the airplane first to give you extra time to get settled. If your airport has a family security line, use it.

Make sure you understand any remaining COVID-19 regulations

As mask rules and COVID-19 testing, entry and vaccine regulations continue to evolve in countries around the world, stay on top of exactly what you need to know and bring for your baby to get to your destination (and back home again). It's important to understand whether you'll need masks for your 2-year-old or need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 tests upon arrival at your destination or re-entry into the U.S. when traveling abroad.

Remember that airline staff members also struggle to keep track of ever-changing rules, so if you know something has recently changed or a rule seems specific, make sure to bring along proof of this information and whatever documentation you need in case you have trouble when boarding.

Photocopy important documents and always have extras. I loathe having to take paper documents along when traveling. However, having them may mean the difference between getting through customs, being able to board or being stranded at the airport. This is especially true if your phone battery dies or you're left without service for any reason. While being denied boarding is always dramatic, it's even worse with a baby in tow.

Download the right apps

Mobile phone apps can help you anticipate what you need, as well as keep your baby (and yourself) comfortable during travel.

A white noise app is key for better sleep for your baby — and therefore better sleep for parents — and allows you to leave a white noise machine home. Nightlight apps are also helpful during travel.

You can also connect most modern baby monitors to your phone and use an app to access the video of your baby so you won't need a separate viewing device.

Parents may find an app to track sleeping and feeding especially helpful during travel, particularly when switching time zones. A general packing app could help you keep track of what you need to bring for your infant, as well as the entire family. Make sure these apps are accessible offline if you need them while flying.

Don't forget their passport

This one is obvious, but you'd be surprised. Don't forget your baby's passport when traveling.

Look into identity and consent documents, as each country has its own requirements, especially if your partner isn't with you. If you have any older children, make sure to check that their passports are valid, as children's U.S. passports expire in just five years.

Traveling with a baby might seem like a lot. However, once you get the hang of it, packing, prepping and traveling with your infant becomes second nature. Ask for help when you need it and accept help when offered.

And when things don't go quite right, stay relaxed (remember, baby can feel your moods) — you'll figure it out. While it may seem tragic in the moment (like that major diaper blowout on board a plane), it will be an epic story to share one day.

Bottom line

When in doubt, bring enough baby supplies for a few extra days or a flight delay, but don't overpack. Make sure to be clear on any and all regulations that will cover your travel, from having the right documents to understanding what baby items you can bring through airport security . With these tips, packing and traveling will be a more enjoyable experience for the entire family .

37 Best Travel Tips for Traveling With an Infant, Older Baby, or Toddler

Family travel is exciting for you and your kids and can create special memories that last a lifetime, whether you’re off on an adventure abroad or simply going to visit Grandma. But traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler requires a little extra preparation to ensure a safe and comfortable trip. We’ve got the answers to common questions surrounding baby travel—short and long—plus a list of all the essentials and 37 tips for traveling with the little ones!

How Soon Can You Travel With a Newborn Baby?

When is it safe to travel with a newborn? It’s always wise to check with your healthcare provider before traveling with an infant. Your provider will likely offer specific guidance on whether you should or shouldn’t travel with your little newborn, depending on your little’s one's age and health status, as well as more general advice on when you can travel with a baby or older child. Whenever you do end up traveling with your little one, keep some safety precautions in mind. Your child is still developing their immune system, so it’s important to take protective measures, especially when flying or in crowded locations, such as

frequently washing hands

using hand sanitizer

avoiding visibly ill travelers.

Besides these basic safety precautions, keep reading for more tips on traveling with infants, plus older babies and toddlers, which include additional measures that will help keep your little one healthy, safe, and comfortable.

37 Tips for Traveling With an Infant, Older Baby, or Toddler

There are many ways you can help keep your infant, older baby, or toddler safe while traveling, and ensure that the trip is comfortable for all involved. It’s best to always consult with your child’s healthcare provider before traveling, especially with newborns or infants. Younger babies are more vulnerable than older babies and toddlers, so consider the provider’s advice and tips for traveling with an infant. Knowing how to travel with an infant isn’t much different from knowing how to travel with an older baby or toddler, but age can impact strategy. For example, traveling with a toddler opens up more opportunities for activities on your trip! You’ll probably notice that traveling with a 2-year-old is a lot more interactive than when your little one was just 3 or 6 months old. To cover all the bases, we’ve included 37 tips for traveling with babies of any age, but some apply more to younger babies, like infants and newborns, whereas others are more geared toward older babies and toddlers. However, all are worth considering when traveling with kids of any age and whether you’re flying to Paris or hopping in the car for a day trip.

1. Update Immunizations

Before you travel, including by car, on an airplane, or anywhere abroad, ensure your baby has had all the necessary immunizations. Following an immunization schedule is key to keeping your little one healthy throughout their life and, of course, when traveling. If you plan to travel abroad, be aware that some countries require additional vaccinations. You’ll want to consult your child’s healthcare provider for specific advice before planning any overseas trips, and you can contact the U.S. State Department for general information. As children will need immunizations and boosters throughout their early years, this tip also applies to travel with infants, older babies, and toddlers.

2. Consult Your Child’s Healthcare Provider

Remember that your baby’s healthcare provider is your ally and a great source of information. Don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have any questions about traveling with an infant or how to best travel with a baby of any age. If you’re thinking of traveling with a newborn, the provider may suggest waiting in some cases, such as if your little one has an underlying health condition or was born prematurely.

3. Collect Medications and Important Documents

Before setting off on your adventure, remember to pack any medication your child will need while away from home. You can also purchase a sturdy folder to keep any important documents, such as your baby’s vaccination record, copies of recent medical reports, passport, etc. When traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and bring everything you might need!

4. Do Some Research

One of the best tips for traveling with newborns or older babies and toddlers is to hunt for and gather relevant information ahead of time. Besides things like looking up vaccination requirements, you can also research details about accommodations and activities. Some hotels offer amenities that may come in handy when traveling. For example, if you’re breastfeeding your baby , you might want a refrigerator in your hotel room to store extra milk.

5. Allow Extra Time

Always remember that traveling with an infant or baby of any age means everything will take a little more time (or sometimes a lot more time!). Be sure to start early and allow extra time when packing the car or getting to the airport, going through security, checking into your accommodation, eating out, etc. This additional time makes for a smooth trip and also helps keep stress to a minimum.

6. Bring Those Baby Essentials

Although your research may reveal that hotels or accommodations offer some basic baby necessities, it’s best to bring as much as you can with you. For example, if a hotel offers cribs, unless you can guarantee that their baby cribs are up to date on safety requirements, it’s better to bring your own travel crib if you’re able to do so. Other travel essentials for your baby include bottles, bibs, diapers and wipes , pacifiers, etc. Keep these in a separate diaper bag for easy access! Our baby travel checklist below includes all these items and more.

7. Don’t Forget Favorite Toys or Blankets

Your little one is still getting used to the world around them, so bring some reminders of home to soothe any discomfort when in unfamiliar places. A favorite plush toy, a familiar rattle, or a blanket with home scents can do wonders in keeping your babies and toddlers comfortable when traveling, so be sure not to leave Mr. Rabbit (or any other "lovey") at home!

8. Double Check Car Seats

Whether traveling with your infant, older baby, or toddler by car or plane, double-check any car seats you use for safety . Look up the expiration date to make sure the seat hasn’t expired, and ensure that it’s properly installed.

9. Keep Feedings and Sleep Schedules Consistent

When traveling with babies, especially newborns and infants, it’s best to keep feeding and sleep schedules consistent, even when crossing into other time zones. It’s hard for children to adjust to new routines, and a little consistency will do wonders. If you’re moving across several time zones and it’s impossible to stick to the same feeding times, try to adjust your schedule gradually. However, what’s most important is feeding your baby when they’re hungry, regardless of the hour, and giving yourself some extra grace.

10. Bring a First-Aid Kit

In addition to all your essential must-have items, it’s also helpful to have your baby’s first-aid kit with you when traveling. You can keep one in the car, diaper bag, or your little baby’s overnight bag. Do you have all the baby necessities in your diaper bag? Take our quiz below to find out!

11. Wash Hands Frequently

Although briefly mentioned above, this is one of the most important tips for traveling with an infant or child of any age, and it deserves a friendly reminder! Because your little one is still building their body’s natural immune defenses, they’re more susceptible to catching colds, flu, or other infections. And because you’ll be carrying your newborn while traveling or holding your baby’s hand, it’s best for you to wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.

12. Stay Hydrated

Traveling in general, but especially traveling by plane, is dehydrating to the body. Staying hydrated yourself means staying healthy and alert for your child. To keep your newborn hydrated, you’ll want to feed them more often (if needed), and older babies and toddlers will need sips of water throughout the day. Hydration is also very important if your little one has diarrhea while traveling, which is common.

13. Bring Disposable or Hybrid Diapers

When you’re traveling, nothing beats the convenience of disposable diapers. Another option is a hybrid system, like Pampers Pure Hybrid Starter Kit, which uses reusable covers and disposable inserts to cut down on waste.

14. Provide Entertainment

You may find that your newborn sleeps through much of the trip, but that probably won’t be the case for an active older baby or toddler! When traveling with a baby who’s a bit older and more alert, it helps to provide some form of entertainment, whether in the car, on the train, or on an airplane. A soft toy or a picture book work well.

15. Bring Food and Snacks

You don’t have to travel with a baby to know that meals and snacks are an important part of any outing! You’ll need to breastfeed or bring formula, of course, supplemented by solid foods once your little one has been introduced to solids at around 6 months. Good travel food for babies can be anything they regularly eat—the point is to keep their tummy happy!

16. Sing Songs

Singing is a wonderful way to bond and engage with your baby or toddler. It’s an entertaining way to pass the time on long car drives, for instance, and has the added bonus of helping to boost vocabulary as well as other important language skills and developmental milestones for babies . Before long your not so little one will be singing along and repeating their favorite songs, again and again.

17. Plan Car Games

In addition to singing songs, keep your little one entertained with some fun car games. Your toddler may enjoy the classic game I Spy or even counting things (with your help) they see out the window, like cows or red cars. Another idea is to build or purchase a travel tray, a simple tray that connects to the back of one of the front seats and provides lots of things to touch, look at, and listen to!

18. Pack Bedding From Home

When possible, pack bedding for your baby or toddler, which, of course, is easier when traveling by car or when you have extra space in your suitcase. Familiar feels and scents will help keep them at ease as they experience a disruption to their usual routine. If you’re flying far on a plane, just grab something small, like their favorite blanket or bedsheet, to help them feel “at home.”

19. Provide Extra Attention

Traveling with a baby or an older child often interrupts typical at-home routines, and your little one will probably need more attention from you. Some tips include extra hugs and snuggles during the day and at night, plus bringing interactive games and activities into the mix.

20. Maintain a Typical Meal Routine

Although traveling is a great time to try new foods or allow some “treats,” try to stick to your usual meal routines as much as possible. Let your older baby or toddler know that traveling can include trying new food while at the same time continuing to eat healthy foods and maintain normal mealtimes.

21. Look for Specials

Many accommodations and restaurants offer special prices or deals for families, which can help reduce costs. “Kids stay free” is a common feature; you can also see if a hotel provides complimentary meals or packaged discounts for kids and families. Consider working with a travel club or agency that can help you coordinate a trip with children in mind.

22. Ask for Assistance

With a baby, travel isn’t always an easy task to accomplish on your own. If your little one is feeling extra fussy on the plane or train and you’ve run out of ideas, ask an attendant if they have anything special for babies or young kids, such as a picture book or a pack of crayons. If you need a changing pad in your hotel room, call the front desk. It really does take a village, and many travel clubs, airlines, hotels, and more offer special assistance for kids and families!

23. Pack for the Weather

Take a look at the weather report before you leave and pack accordingly. Consider bringing some extra layers for cooler night temperatures or extra supplies in case of rain or snow. Socks, rain covers, a warm jacket, and a hat will all come in handy if the weather takes an unexpected turn.

24. Take Preventive Measures

It’s not unusual for an illness or another health-related issue to pop up when you’re on the go and away from home. Colds and sore throats, diarrhea, car sickness, mosquito bites or bedbug bites —all these scenarios are possible with any kind of travel, including travels with your baby. Although you might not be able to completely prevent all these issues, it helps to prepare. You can do so by

getting necessary vaccinations before traveling

checking hotel rooms, bus seats, or train cars for bedbugs

bringing your own food or eating only hot food that’s thoroughly cooked

eating only a light snack before traveling to lessen motion sickness

staying hydrated.

25. Remember Special Considerations When Flying

Don’t forget that flying with a child will require some extra steps. If you have any questions, consult your little one’s healthcare provider and contact the airline. For example, all equipment like car seats and strollers will need to be visibly inspected at the airport. Read more about air travel in our article about flying with babies .

26. Plan Age-Appropriate Trips

Of course, traveling with a 1-year-old is going to be a little different than traveling with a 2-month-old! It helps to plan a trip that works for your child’s specific age, so if you’re traveling with a 9-month-old baby, think of something to do that meshes well with their abilities and interests. A simple trip going to visit grandparents or where there are lots of playgrounds is all you really need! But, of course, kids love playing outdoors or at the beach, so see more suggestions on where to travel with a baby at the end of the article.

27. Plan Breaks

For travel of any kind, remember that kids need breaks, naps, and downtime. If you’re taking a road trip, for example, research your routes thoroughly and plan for pit stops and breaks. It’s not easy for wriggly little ones to sit for too long, and getting out of the car to stretch legs or enjoy an attraction along the way helps keep spirits and energy levels high. If you’re on a plane, get up and walk the aisle a few times for a little movement and stimulation. Or if you’re spending the day at a theme park, squeeze in some time in the shade with a blanket for a quick snooze or a calming activity, like reading.

28. Bring Craft Supplies

Your toddler may need something more interactive to keep them entertained while on a road trip, airplane, or in a hotel room. Basic arts and crafts for toddlers can keep your little one occupied. Even just some crayons and a coloring book will help.

29. Adjust Sleep Schedules 2 to 3 Days Before if Needed

As mentioned before, when traveling with infants and older babies, it’s better to try and stick to the same feeding and sleeping schedules. But when traveling with toddlers, you may have more wiggle room to adjust their routines. For short trips, you might not even need to consider this tip, but if you’re moving across multiple time zones, you can gradually adjust sleep and eating schedules to the new time zone a few days before departing on your trip.

30. Pack Books

Are you wondering what to pack when traveling with a baby or toddler? Put books at the top of your list! Any kind of books —picture books, storybooks, interactive books—will keep your little one entertained while traveling. And if you usually read before falling asleep, it’s important to maintain your bedtime routine while away from home.

31. Respect Boundaries

Traveling with babies and toddlers (or, really, kids of any age) is a lot of fun for everyone. But remember that a change in a routine can be difficult for children, so it’s important to respect any boundaries they put up. For example, if your child doesn’t want to give Grandma a hug this trip or go on a ride at a theme park, don’t force it. They might be feeling shy or nervous, and it’s best not to force interactions, even with family members or activities.

32. Allow Your Child to Make Decisions

One of the best tips for traveling with toddlers and older babies is letting them make some decisions as they start to dabble in independence. Ask them what they want to eat for dinner or what they’d like to wear. Keep decisions manageable for their little brains by offering two or three choices rather than asking open-ended questions. It will allow them to take ownership of the travel experience!

33. Try New Things

Make traveling with your baby or toddler even more memorable by encouraging new experiences. You’ll probably remember these trips forever, but to make them stick in your youngster’s mind, have some fun with unique activities that you can’t do at home. Plus, as your little one is growing and developing, they’ll naturally want to try new things and test newly developed skills!

34. Anticipate Big Feelings

Again, changes in routines can be difficult for kids to manage. Traveling means leaving home behind, sleeping in a strange bed, and being without the usual comforts. This may be stressful, confusing, or even a bit scary for your little one. If these emotions come out in the form of temper tantrums , crying, or resisting, give your child extra support and love.

35. Supervise Water Play

Baby travel or traveling with a toddler might include a little water play, like splashing around in the pool or at the beach. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in kids of any age, and it can happen in seconds, whether children are swimming , playing in a shallow pool, or simply taking a bath. Watch children closely when in the water or during bath time.

36. Take Photos and Videos

With cameras built into phones, you probably don’t need a reminder to take photos! Still, be sure to capture the memories when traveling with your kids, especially as they get older. It will be fun for them to look back and remember the trip!

37. Keep a Scrapbook

Take a blank scrapbook with you and let your toddler draw or color in it each day of the trip. For infants and newborns, press their hand or foot into the page with a bit of paint and add photos. When you return home, you can add more pictures or little trinkets like ticket stubs to the book, and your child can keep it to remember the experience. As your babies get older, traveling with them will get more and more fun, so let them be part of making the memories!

Baby Travel Checklist

We know this list of tips for traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler is quite thorough, so to make it a bit easier for you, you’ll find a handy baby travel checklist below! We’ve included all the baby travel items that will help support a trip of any kind with any age group. Whether you’re wondering what to pack when traveling with a baby or hunting for those baby travel must-haves, we’ve included them all! This baby travel checklist works for kids of all ages, so you can use it when traveling with infants, older babies, toddlers, or even older children. It also works for short or long trips, by car, plane, or train. You can also download a version of the checklist and use it at home when preparing and packing for any upcoming family trips.

INSERT DOWNLOADABLE LINK

Baby Travel: Where to Go

Now that you have all of our travel tips, it’s time to think about where to travel with your baby. Not all destinations and activities are suitable for young children, so we’ve rounded up some of our best ideas for kid-friendly travel destinations!

Where to Vacation With an Infant, Older Baby, or Toddler in the United States

Luckily, the United States is a big country packed with various travel opportunities for babies and young children. Because there are so many choices, we’ve rounded up a few suggestions for each of the following themes: National Parks Among the best places to go when traveling with a newborn, older baby, or toddler are national and state parks. When you explore the great outdoors, you can avoid cramped environments and secure your sweet little one to your chest or carry older babies in backpacks while you enjoy fresh air and nature. Of course, toddlers will probably want a little independence as they toddle around! Some suggestions for kid-friendly national parks include the following:

All these parks offer a range of hiking suitable for carrying sleeping newborns or curious infants, plus interesting experiences for more mobile toddlers. Watch your child’s eyes light up at the scene of geysers erupting in Yellowstone, birds singing in the Everglades, or the sky-high trunks of the towering Redwoods! Vibrant Cities Although nature is ideal for traveling with babies or kids of any age, new cities also offer a lot of entertainment for the entire family (including you!). The United States is so diverse with different cultures, and your little one can enjoy various activities that can enrich their development. The list of kid-friendly cities in the United States is nearly endless, so if you’re simply looking for a bit of inspiration or a few suggestions for exciting cities, perhaps consider the following:

All these cities offer fun for you and your kids, even if your infant is simply watching the buzzy world around them. Take your little one to look for seals at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, explore adobe architecture in Santa Fe, New Mexico, or listen to street music in New Orleans. Theme Parks Although some theme parks aren’t suitable when traveling with newborns, infants, or young babies, many can be a lot of fun for toddlers and older kids! However, some of these classics cater to kids of all ages, rather than just focusing on thrilling roller coasters for the big kids. Again, you’ll find plenty of fun theme parks throughout the country, but for a few suggestions, you could consider the following:

These theme parks offer exciting scenes for even the youngest guests but can also entertain older children if you have a brood of various ages. Watch your baby delight at meeting their favorite Disney, Sesame Street, or fairy-tale characters! Beaches Although infants shouldn’t experience any direct sunlight until they are at least 6 months , beaches can offer a relaxing place to be with your little one, as long as they’re properly shaded. For older babies and toddlers, the beach is an exciting source of pure entertainment! The United States has a lot of coastlines to consider; here are just a few ideas:

A beach vacation with an infant, older baby, or toddler will expose your little one to an entirely new world. Plus, all the above suggestions offer complementary activities that your baby may love, such as visiting wildlife education centers, observing tide pools, or having fun at neighboring playgrounds. Road Trips Like national parks, road trips are also ideal for traveling with infants or children of any age, as you don’t have to interact too much with other travelers who can spread germs to your family. Plus, road trips can combine all the aforementioned ideas into one exciting adventure! A road trip doesn’t have to be long; you can simply pack snacks and head over to Grandma’s house or into the big city. But the United States is also known for its signature stretches of highway, and some of the most popular road-trip routes include the following:

Best Places to Travel With an Infant, Baby, or Toddler Abroad

A vacation abroad is a terrific way to open up the world to your little explorer! Although infants and young babies probably won’t remember much about a trip abroad, you can still use the opportunity to introduce them to new cultures and experiences. And, who knows, perhaps a trip at such a young age will spark an interest in travel as your adventurous baby grows up! A list of the best places to travel with an infant, baby, or toddler is endless, so we’ve included just a few popular family-friendly destinations in different parts of the world. Of course, use your imagination and go where you want!

The Bottom Line

Traveling with young infants, older babies, toddlers, or kids of any age can be a lot of fun, but it also requires a little extra prep! We hope this article helps you prepare for future family trips:

Use our suggestions on where to go to plan memorable experiences for the whole family.

Download our baby travel checklist to ensure you don’t forget any of the must-have items you’ll need.

Consider all our tips for traveling with newborns, babies, and toddlers to help your vacation go smoothly.

Remember that there is no age limit when it comes to travel, but it’s best to take extra precautions when traveling with infants, as they have yet to build up their body’s natural immunity. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider before planning any travel so you know what vaccinations your baby will need.

Family travel is a way to build wonderful memories that last a lifetime! Savor these exciting moments, whether you’re taking a simple trip to Grandma’s house, venturing out on an epic road trip to national parks, or enjoying an international vacation.

How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.

• Book: Caring for your baby and young child, birth to age 5, Sixth Edition Paperback – November 2, 2014 by American Academy of Pediatrics (Author)
• Medline Plus: Traveling With Children
• Zero to Three: Survival Strategies for Traveling With Your Baby or Toddler
• Medline Plus: Toddler Development
• Mayo Clinic: Infant and Toddler Health
• Healthy Children: Sun Safety
• Healthy Children: Travel Safety Tips
• Healthy Children: Car Safety
• CDC: Travel Recommendations for Nursing Families
• CDC: Drowning Facts
• CDC: Traveling With Children
• Healthy Children: Car Sickness
• La Leche League International: Travel

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75 Tips for Traveling With a Baby (Free Packing Checklist)

When traveling with a baby, there are so many little things to remember (and forget!). Taking a family vacation with an infant, baby or toddler doesn’t have to be a challenge when you know what to bring. This guide to packing a diaper bag and must-have baby travel essentials for little ones will help!

Mom Rewritten uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links in these posts. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the Privacy Policy and Disclosures tab.

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. This article originally published September 5th, 2016 and has been updated and republished with a new date.

Best Tips for Traveling With a Baby

I remember the first time I took my baby on her first extended vacation. There was so much to remember when I packed! Not only was I figuring out my own suitcase there was also my baby’s supplies to tote.

Are you overpacking for your baby? Or not packing enough? It’s a careful balance to be sure. You don’t want to be that traveler jamming the car full of unnecessary items because you think the baby needs it all . This article will help you pare down to the basics that will still allow you to travel with ease.

How to Pack for a Trip With a Baby

Whether headed to the beach, camping, city or theme park, when traveling with a baby in diapers you’ll need the same important essentials.

Keep reading for the helpful vacation guide with tips on taking the baby on a trip. There’s also a free baby packing list you’ll want to print and use when filling the luggage.

I’m sharing suggestions for toys, swim and bath products and road trip requirements. And of course figuring out that all important number of how many diapers to pack for your travels!

Baby Travel Essentials – Can You Buy It When You Get There?

Depending upon where you’re going, you might need to pack everything you’ll need upfront. This could be because the location in which you’re headed might not have the supplies you need. You may not want to replenish or purchase when you get there because of higher cost concerns.

If possible, consider these options which include shipping the items or buying there. If you know the products you need are readily available in stores, wait and buy it when you get there. That’s a decent idea if you don’t want to have to pack and tote bulk consumable items like baby formula and diapers.

Another option is to have the items shipped to your destination. If you’re staying with family, that’s an easy choice. Purchase items online and have them sent ahead of your trip so the packages are there before you arrive.

Call hotel locations ahead of time to verify what their policies are for accepting deliveries. Some hotels will have requirements for the shipping label, timelines for holding packages or may charge a fee.

Diapers and Wipes are Top of the Baby Packing List

When it comes to traveling with a baby, it’s easy to over pack. But when diapers are concerned, you never want to be stuck without! This is how to figure out how many diapers to bring with you on the trip.

How Many Diapers to Bring on a Trip?

So, how can you figure out how many diapers to bring with you on a trip? In the week leading up to your vacation, take note of how many diapers you go through each day with your baby.

I kept a notepad and a pencil on the shelf above my baby’s changing table to make a tally. Average the number of diapers you’ve used over the week to figure out a daily amount and then multiply that by the number of days you’ll be away from home.

Just to be on the safe side, put in about two extra diapers per day of your trip…just in case!

Do the same for the baby wipes but definitely bring additional extras of these. WaterWipes baby wipes are convenient for cleaning messy fingers and faces as well as bottoms!

Best Travel Clothes for Babies and Toddlers

When traveling with your baby in diapers, consider these logistics for choosing the best vacation outfits. Pick breathable fabrics that will be comfortable during long drives in their car seat.

Only choose separates that make diaper changes easy. Avoid outfits with buttons or snaps on the back of the clothing. These can be uncomfortable for babies to lay on for long periods of time.

Zip Footie Pajamas – For infants, skip those fancy outfits and go straight for the pajamas all day. Avoid multi-piece outfits that will bunch up and cause discomfort for a baby. Grab this organic cotton zip-up footie from Primary in all the colors!

One-Piece Rompers – When traveling with a baby in diapers, snap-crotch bubble onesies are probably the most ideal when the weather is warm. Look for long sleeved one-piece jumpers with a snap crotch when it’s chilly. Toddlers will appreciate the comfort factor. You’ll appreciate the quick diaper changes with clothing that’s simple in design!

My go-to for the best children’s clothing is Primary . They offer gender-neutral mix and match pieces in every color of the rainbow. Lots of coordinating outfits to match older siblings too! Use code AFT20PCT to save 20% and receive free shipping on your first order.

Sun Hat – If you’re planning to be outdoors, a baby sun hat is required. Opt for a stylish version like this with a wide brim, breathable materials and a chin strap to keep it secure.

Must-Have Baby Travel Toys

Older kids can leave their toys behind when they go on vacation. But it’s important to pack a few toys for the baby whenever you leave home. Toys can help with boredom, especially if the baby is kept in their car seat or stroller for longer than usual periods of time.

If your baby has a few favorite items, be sure to bring those on the trip. In addition purchase a few new baby travel toys for variety while traveling. When your child gets fussy, surprise them with one of the new items!

Travel Teething Toy – If you have a teething baby you know that gnawing is a big deal! This teething mitten offers up safe-to-chew bumpy grooves and ridges. The adjustable Velcro strap secures the glove to baby’s hand so the toy is less likely to fall on the floor or get lost.

Car Seat Toys – This soft cotton hanging toy mobile spiral-wraps around the handle of the car seat with dangling toys for baby to play with.

Electronic Baby Toy – Babies love the stimulation of lights, sounds and music! VTech rules when it comes to educational electronic baby toys. This small-sized Happy Lights Bear serves up songs, phrases and flashing lights. The cuddly bear Velcros to the stroller or car seat.

If you’re traveling on public transportation or on a plane, avoid anything with annoying or loud sounds so as not to disturb other travelers! Relegate noisy electronic items to the rental car only.

I have an extra tip to minimize the noise of electronic toys. Place a piece of electrical tape over the speaker to quiet the sound when there’s no volume control.

Baby Toy Straps – Keep toys from dropping on the ground with silicone baby toy straps . Secure rattles, chew toys and sipper cups to the car seat, high chair or stroller to prevent them from getting lost or dirty.

Baby Travel Essentials for the Hotel

One of the most challenging things about traveling with a baby is sharing a hotel room. When baby goes to sleep, generally everyone else has to turn off the lights and be quiet too! Consider booking a suite with a separate bedroom door. This way if you have older children, they don’t have to go to sleep when baby does.

Inflatable Bath Tub – If baby is too small to sit up or too big to fit in the bathroom sink for a wash, consider packing this. The inexpensive Inflatable Duck Tub  will make bath time easier and it won’t take up any extra space in your luggage.

Touch-Control Night Light – Moving around blindly in a dark hotel room when baby wakes at night is recipe for disaster. You don’t want to turn on a light and risk waking everyone else up either.

Away From Home Sleep Needs for Little Kids

Whether driving or in a crib, nap and sleep routines are important to maintain when traveling with babies. A disrupted sleep pattern can cause havoc, resulting in overly grouchy behavior. Aim to travel during regular nap times in the hopes that baby will sleep while driving or flying.

These baby travel essentials can help regulate naps and nighttime sleep for your child:

Car Seat Head Support – If you’ve ever rigged up your own head support for the toddler sleeping in a car seat, this is the road trip product for you! This simple to install Car Seat Child Head Support keeps toddlers heads from slumping when their napping.

Sun Shade – Nobody likes the sun in their eyes, especially young kids who are trying to rest. Block out the rays and heat during long car trips with a simple window sun shade . This one stretches to fit and has suction cups to secure on the glass.

Sleep Sack – Skip the blankets in the crib and use a muslin sleep sack for bedtime. The fabric is soft, breathable, and lightweight but will keep baby warm enough if the hotel air conditioning is running.

For colder nights or in outdoor locations like on a camping trip bundle toddlers in a warmer sleeper sack . This version has foot openings for walking babies. There’s diaper access via a reverse zipper.

White Noise Machine – If the strange noises at a hotel are interrupting your baby’s usual sleep patterns, this VTech White Noise Sound Machine is perfect. Petite-sized for travel with a rechargeable battery, it features both gentle lullabies and ambient sounds.

Baby Travel Essentials for Flying

Sucking can help relieve ear pain with babies during elevation and descent on an airplane. Chewing gum can help older kids and adults. For babies try using a bottle, pacifier or breastfeeding. My friend Leslie at Trips With Tykes has tons of helpful tips for flying with a lap child .

Pacifier – Each baby seems to have their own preference of pacifiers. And some babies (like my daughter) refused to use one. Have a few on hand just in case.

If traveling with a pacifier is essential, make sure the Nuk doesn’t get lost on your travels! Secure pacifiers to baby’s clothing with one of these convenient pacifier clips .

Keeping a Toddler Happy While Traveling

Whether you’re flying or hitting the open road, keeping toddlers happy while traveling can be tough! I recommend scheduling your travel times during their regular nap schedule. If you can ensure that your younger child takes a nap this can make everyone’s trip go a little smoother!

Car Seat – If you’re flying somewhere and will need a car seat when you get there, bring the seat onto the plane. Your toddler will have a comfortable and safe place sit in the airplane. And bonus, they’re more likely to nap if they’re latched into their car seat!

My favorite car seat to travel with is the inexpensive Cosco MightyFit 65 Convertible Car Seat . Rear-facing for babies from 5-40 pounds or forward-facing for children 22-65 pounds. It’s also reasonably lightweight and easy to install into a rental car.

WikkiStix – The perfect travel craft, WikkiStix are mess-free and easy for little ones to use. These soft and pliable bendy sticks adhere to each other or to a smooth surface for ideal quiet time entertainment.

Reading Material – Pack a few baby books but make them lightweight and able to hold up to wear and tear. The Indestructibles Baby Book series are great to entertain toddlers with a story on the road. Or baby can just chew on the pages, whatever!

Swimming and Sun Tips When Traveling with a Baby

If you’re planning a full day in the sun, make sure that your baby is well protected from sunrays and heat. This means extra hydration, just like you should be getting.

Babies should be nursing or bottle feeding more often. Older babies and toddlers should drink water or Pedialyte to keep them from getting dehydrated. These are the baby travel essentials when you’re outdoors or traveling during the hot summer season:

Swim Diapers – A necessary packing item if you plan to let baby swim. Whether in the hotel pool or at the beach swim diapers are a must.

If you prefer an eco-friendly option, choose a reusable swim diaper like this version with side snaps. This preference works best if you have access to a bathroom toilet and washing machine while traveling.

Pop Up Beach Tent – An open sided Beach Shelter offers an escape from the direct sun, essential for babies and young children. This version has a flat bottom to keep sand away, windows for ventilation and a hanging hook for a battery operated fan. It folds down like a car sun shield into a tiny carrying bag so it’s excellent for travel to any beach locale.

One-Piece Rash Guard – Choose a swimsuit with built-in UPF 50+ sun protection. This Primary long sleeved rash guard is all one piece but still has a snap gusset for fast diaper access.

Pool and Beach Baby Travel Essentials

Depending upon the age of your child, one of the following versions of pool floaties might work for your needs. Naturally, these floaties aren’t a replacement for supervision. Parents should remain within arms reach of their baby around water.

Baby Spring Float – This SwimWays Baby Spring Float offers younger babies a gentle way to float on the water while keeping their face dry and out of the sun. The product is also easy to close and carry so it’s ideal for taking on a trip.

Kid’s Life Jacket – This SwimWays Sea Squirts Learn-to-Swim Life Jacket is not inflatable and therefore will take up more space in your suitcase. But if you’re planning to be in the water a lot, the safety factor of this Coast Guard approved product might outweigh. Be sure to read the description on weight and size to ensure this will properly fit your child.

Suncreen – A travel essential for everyone, whether the sun is shining or behind clouds. Look for varieties like Babyganics Mineral Sunscreen . Ask your pediatrician to know their recommendations for application of sun protection lotion onto newborn skin. Reapply often, especially after water exposure.

Sunglasses – Headed to the beach or some place where the sun is particularly bright? A pair of baby sunglasses can help keep crankiness down when the sun is out of their eyes.

Baby Travel Essentials for Feeding Away From Home

Whether you’re feeding from the bottle or the breast, eating in a restaurant or on the road, these are some of the must-have items when traveling with a baby.

As a nursing parent, you can breastfeed your baby any where you wish. Some babies are challenged with nursing in public because they are distracted by activity around them. A nursing cover up can come in handy if you prefer privacy when breastfeeding or if your baby needs less distraction.

Nursing Cover – Choose a nursing cover up that’s lightweight to prevent overheating. The Milk Snob Nursing Cover doubles as a cocoon for infant car seats.

Snack Cups – These spill-proof Snack Keeper cups hold food with soft flaps on top for access. Fill them up with Goldfish crackers or animal crackers for the perfect to-go toddler snack.

READ MORE: How to Choose Healthy Road Trip Snacks at the Convenience Store

Sipper Cups – We all try our best to keep track of everything when traveling. Inevitably something ends up missing. It’s usually the sippy cup that rolls under the car, falls out of the stroller or gets left at a restaurant.

Skip the pricey sippers and buy a set of these Take & Toss Spill-Proof Sippy Cups . If one gets lost, you’ll have a few to spare.

Bibs – If you have access to laundry, these machine washable bibs are superb for feeding time. In a pinch use a baby wipe to clean off small messes.

No washing machine, no problem. Disposable bibs offer protection to clothing from food spills and can be tossed in the trash after each use.

An excellent reusable choice is the Bib Clip . Especially convenient for frequent restaurant dining, simply snap in a cloth or paper napkin to protect toddler’s clothing.

Disposable Placemats – If your toddler is self-feeding, these disposable placemats are awesome. We all know that kids don’t keep their food on the plate! To keep mealtime a little neater and more sanitary these peel-and-stick plastic mats are a must.

Comfortable Shoes for Babies

If your baby has only crawled around the carpeted floors at home you might not have even purchased them a first pair of shoes. Generally a pair of socks will keep baby toes warm and dry.

However when away from home consider covering baby’s feet to protect them when traveling in public locations. Choose flexible soles that don’t require a “breaking-in” period.

My children have been wearing pediped brand shoes since before they could walk. The pediped Originals are perfect crib shoes that can transition into walking shoes for a toddler.

Aqua Socks – If your child will be walking on hot sand or on the concrete around a pool, consider slip-resistant water shoes . They are a safe way to protect toddlers from stubbing their toes or burning their feet.

Walking Outside with a Baby

If your travel destination includes a lot of walking you’ll need to be prepared for taking baby along for the ride. Follow these additional tips for walking outside with a baby .

Stroller – The Baby Jogger City Mini has been my favorite for traveling with a baby. It’s all-terrain for both sidewalk or trail walking and offers excellent recline for naps. Best part is that it closes up compactly with one hand, ideal for boarding public transportation or getting into the vehicle trunk.

If you’d prefer not to take your own stroller consider renting one at your destination. Companies like Kingdom Strollers that rent equipment at Walt Disney World are one of the top places to get a stroller while traveling.

READ MORE : Guide to taking toddlers to Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom .

Stroller Fan – When the weather’s hot, keep baby cool using a flexible Travel Fan . Wrap the arms around a stroller, car seat or hold it in your hand to create a breeze wherever you need one.

Muslin Blanket – This lightweight muslin blanket in a variety of colors is multi-versatile. Use it as a blanket, burp cloth, swaddling cloth, nursing coverup or to cover the stroller when the sun is out.

Front Carrier – Best for going where strollers can’t go, the baby front carrier is invaluable. It’s also convenient to use when babies are sleeping and you don’t want to wait until nap time is over. Put the baby in a front carrier and go about with your exploring!

A Front Carrier is also highly convenient in places where you need to be hands-free. Airplane travel and amusement park queues are perfect locations to use a carrier. Plus nursing parents can discretely feed their baby inside of a front carrier!

I also used a front carrier to help soothe my fussy toddler to sleep at hotels. I’d pop her in the carrier then tidy up the room and get things ready for the following day until she was asleep.

Toddler Backpack with Harness – Ideal for the toddler who is always trying to run away! This Skip Hop Toddler Backpack has a leash that can be detached. My daughter enjoyed carrying her sippy cup, plush toy and a snack in her bag. The removable leash allows toddlers to walk independently but not get too far away.

Choosing the Best Diaper Bag for Travel

Before you start packing, make sure that your everyday diaper bag will work for your travel needs. You might want to purchase a day bag that’s better suited for vacationing with a baby.

Figure out first which baby travel essentials you’ll be bringing on your excursions each day. From there you’ll have a better idea which type of diaper bag is best suited to your family’s needs.

Where will you put the bag when you’re not carrying it? If you want to store it under the stroller or in a locker, make sure to measure so it’s not oversized. For airplane travel, ensure that the diaper bag will fit nicely under the seat.

Diaper Bag Tote – For longer days away or lengthy plane trips, this diaper bag tote opens wide into one main compartment. An included shoulder strap is versatile and convenient.

Diaper Backpack – A stylish alternative to the usual diaper bag that either mom or dad would be pleased to carry! This spacious diaper bag backpack houses plenty of storage pockets and space for everything you’ll need on the go.

Stroller Diaper Bag – Ultra convenient stroller caddy diaper bag hangs from the stroller handle for quick access of wipes, diapers and other essentials. A compact style that’s ideal for short trips.

Packing a Travel Diaper Bag

Bottles, baby food, diaper cream and drool bibs! Each evening when you return from outings, empty and refill the diaper bag. Reload the bag with wipes and diapers, clothing changes and baby food. Taking time to restock at night will allow for less stress in the mornings.

Besides what you usually bring for baby in the diaper bag, there are a few other baby travel essentials to consider:

Wet Bag – In the unfortunate event of a diaper blow out or spit up incident you’ll need a place to keep clothing until they can be washed. A reusable wet bag stores messy or damp clothing until you can get to the laundry.

Diaper Changing Pad – Many of the newer diaper bags already have coordinated changing pads included. For getaways where there might be diaper changing tables, purchase disposable diaper changing pads for sanitary purposes.

Stain Stick – When you’re away from the washing machine, use an on-the-go Stain Stick for laundry. Simply rub on spots to prevent stains from happening until you can wash.

Requirements for Safe Travels with Babies

If you have an active toddler there’s sure to be a few bumps and bruises along the way. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to taking care of small injuries or treating pain.

My daughter fell and scraped her elbow at Disney World. With the wet and humid Florida weather the bandages from first aid just wouldn’t stick to her skin. Now I know to pack waterproof band aids in the first aid travel kit!

First Aid Kit – A well stocked first aid kit is essential when traveling with a baby. Include cleansing wipes, antibiotic ointment and plenty of kid-friendly bandages.

Baby Medications – Kids can get sick, even on vacation. Fevers can spike quickly in the middle of the night. Better to have what you need for emergency than rely on the local convenience store or hotel gift shop. Basics like a baby thermometer and Infants’ Tylenol are a must pack.

Safety Kit – Whether you’re staying overnight at a hotel, Airbnb or at grandma’s house, you’ll want to baby-proof the accommodations. This includes protecting exposed electrical outlets, covering sharp corners, securing loose cables and locking up cabinets.

READ MORE: Complete Guide to Keeping Kids Safe on Vacation

What Else to Pack for Baby?

It can be tempting to want to pack ALL the things when traveling with a baby. Some of what you use at home on a daily basis may not be a baby travel essential. Before you overload the car’s trunk space or suitcase with oversized items, here are some tips.

Find out what’s there already before you pack your own. Check with hotels and Airbnb to find out what baby equipment is available. Verify that the products aren’t recalled.

Check with rental companies at your destination. Places like Cloud of Goods can offer up the rental of items like cribs, booster seats, pack ‘n play, stroller wagons, and high chairs.

In the case of high demand items like your baby’s bouncer seat , you might want to consider bringing it on the road. If the bouncer is the only place your baby will calm, best not to disrupt their pattern any more than usual when traveling.

How often will you use it? If you regularly use a high chair cover at home, consider if it’s worth lugging on your travels. I personally brought a high chair cover with me to Walt Disney World for my baby and used it one time. It wasn’t worth losing the space in my suitcase. But if you think that large item is essential, by all means pack it!

Baby Travel Essentials Packing Checklist

Now that you know what you need to bring when traveling with a baby in diapers, click the link below to print the free baby travel packing checklist!

Traveling with Baby – Free Printable Packing List

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Easy and practical baby led weaning travel food ideas for babies 6 months & up

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It’s summertime and guess what… no one wants to have to stay inside when it’s beautiful and sunny out! 

That being said, when you have a BLW baby, sometimes the hassle of figuring out what to feed them while traveling, or on-the-go, seems like it’s more work than it’s worth. But it doesn’t have to be stressful!

I’ve got a list of easy, MINIMAL MESS and portable baby finger food ideas you can pack as a snack, or combine to make meals. Keep reading for 12 easy options for baby led weaning foods while on-the-go!

I know how hard it can be to think of what to feed your baby when traveling, on the road, or out having fun at summer activities. That’s why I came up with this list – I’m all about making things easier for you!

These foods work whether you’re on a plane, at the park, or at a restaurant. While the occasional purée pouch, other store-bought baby food option, or even homemade baby food in a reusable package, will always have its benefits (hellooo convenience and mess-free eating!), packing whole foods means that you don’t have to deal with wrappers and messy containers or utensils. Plus, you’ll be continuing to expose your baby led weaning baby to a variety of real food, real flavors and advanced textures . 

I’m a big proponent of minimizing processed foods for babies (and adults!) as much as possible, as well as keeping those more advanced texture exposures coming. I FULLY understand that it’s hard – time doesn’t allow for it sometimes – and that a bit here and there won’t hurt. 

But helping you keep it top of mind as you navigate this world of feeding your babe is my job, so this list will hopefully help take away the guesswork as to what can fit into this category of foods.

Travel Food for Babies should be mess-free!

The above is definitely not a scenario you want to get stuck in when out and about with your baby! While it’s super cute and funny when it happens at home, this is less than ideal on a plane, or in a restaurant, for example. 

That’s why, in general, most people are looking for mess-free foods (or minimal mess… nothing is really mess-free with baby led weaning ). For this reason, I like to recommend avoiding anything with sauce, that’s in a casserole type format, or anything that requires a utensil unless you’re feeding the baby yourself (and they let you). Think yogurt , applesauce…that type of thing. 

Nothing is more messy than a baby refusing to let you spoon feed them and then dunking their hands into a container of applesauce!

And while I know moms love to be prepared for the worst – and often pack more for an outing than is needed. Let’s save those extra clothes for blowouts…those happen when you least expect it and you don’t want to have wasted your spare outfit on a messy meal!

So here’s some examples. If you pack meat, make it plain chicken. If you pack pasta, keep it plain with no sauce to minimize mess. If you pack fruit, opt for a banana or freeze dried varieties over messy ripe berries. That type of thing.

With that being said, here are my go-to baby led weaning travel foods.

The best travel baby food options for baby led weaning

One thing I want to make sure you keep in mind is the age and development of your baby. Some of these options are going to require pincer grasp …so if your baby is just starting out on solid foods, they won’t be ready for these options yet. 

Make sure you choose the options that are in finger shapes so they aren’t struggling to eat, because this will just end in frustration for both of you. If your baby is a bit older and already has their pincer grasp developed, or is practicing it, any of these options will be a good fit!

Boiled Eggs

Keep in a container with an ice pack and feed the baby anywhere! Provides an easy source of protein for babies , and healthy fats .

Cooked Pasta

This is perfect as an easy snack or meal idea on the go. Pair the pasta with cheese or beans for a full meal ! You can also opt to pack pulse based pasta, such as chickpea pasta for an added protein boost on its own.

Nothing beats a food that comes in its own packaging! Need I say more?

Canned Beans or Chickpeas

No need to cook! Just rinse, dump into a container, and go! I like to buy ones that are canned with a BPA free lining, and that have no added salt, especially when offering to babies because we need to be a bit more cautious when it comes to salt for babies (but I don’t want you to panic either, just give them an extra rinse and monitor salt intake over the rest of the day/next day to balance things out).

You may want to slightly smush chickpeas before offering, just to be extra safe. Depending on your baby’s skill level, and how soft they are, they can be a choking hazard .

Shredded Cheese

Cheese is a great source of protein for babies, as well as a good source of fat – both of which babies need for proper growth and development. And as an added bonus, it’s usually a favorite amongst most babies! 

Please note that I’m recommending shredded cheese, not slices. Slices can be a choking hazard for babies, as it can be difficult to cut the cheese in a thin layer so it won’t pose a risk. Therefore, shredded is best, especially in the beginning as you just start baby led weaning. Watch this video below for more info on how to safely prepare cheese for babies.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Edwena 🙋🏻‍♀️| Dietitian & Mom (@mylittleeater)

Freeze Dried Fruit

Like I mentioned above, fruit is a great option, but you’re gonna want to stick with mess-free varieties! 

Freeze-dried berries are an excellent source of vitamin C, and therefore pair nicely with beans to boost iron absorption – something babies need a lot of! And if you pair that with the pasta and shredded cheese, you have all the pieces of my FFP+P rule for a complete, balanced meal that’s perfect for baby led weaning ! 

While freeze-dried berries are great for this, fresh berries are not great from a mess-free perspective. So, freeze-dried fruit for the win! It will literally hold up in any weather (no need to pack a cooler), and is mess-free!

A similar alternative would be to pack yogurt-based melts – they’re typically freeze-dried as well so they’re not messy like packing yogurt would be! Our favorites are the Amara Smoothie Melts. These are actually plant-based, so if your little one has an allergy or sensitivity to dairy these will be perfectly fine for them too. They have no added sugars, fillers, or other additives – just simple, clean ingredients which we love! They come in lots of yummy flavors with various fruits and veggies blended right in and they come in a resealable bag, making them perfect for snacking on the go. Check them out here and use code LITTLEEATER15 for 15% off your purchase.

Baby Led Weaning Toast Strips

Super easy for on-the-go! Just toast bread and cut into thin strips – coat with a bit of butter to soften them up slightly. But, for the sake of mess-free travel foods, avoid things like nut butter or hummus, unless you’re able to wash up somewhere! 

Remember, fresh, untoasted bread is a choking hazard. If you’re looking for more info on toasting bread for your baby and serving it in a safe manner, check out this post all about toast toppings for babies and toddlers .

Roasted Veggies

Sounds complicated, but I’m actually going to suggest that you keep a bunch of these prepped ahead of time for easy meal ideas throughout the week. I personally always keep some on-hand in my fridge for snacks or quick meals. I make a big batch a couple times per week, and pull from it as needed. 

If you’re able to set aside the time to meal prep these (listen to my other fav meal prepping tips here ) then there’s nothing easier than just putting these in a container and offering them to your baby, any time of day. 

Some good veggies to try are bell peppers and zucchini. I’d avoid things like roasted sweet potato because it becomes so mushy that your baby will end up with orange mash all over them!

Baby Pancakes (only 3 ingredients!)

Ok, this one involves some cooking, but I swear it’s easy!

Mix together 1 ripe banana, 2 eggs, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of coconut oil. Scoop batter into a skillet and cook on low-medium heat until lightly brown, flipping once when you can see bubbles along the outer edge. Let them cool, cut into strips, and pack into a container. There you have it – simple, baby banana pancakes for on-the-go!

Fresh Fruit

I know this goes against what I just said above, but hear me out. There are fruits that are less messy that you can bring. Stewed pears or apples would be my top choice – no staining! You can also do kiwi wedges, plums, or oranges. These may be ever so slightly messy in that there may be a bit of fruit juice running on your baby’s hands, but nothing a baby wipe can’t handle.

I stand by my comment that fresh berries are just too messy – mashed bits of berry plus juice that stains…no thanks! But if you’re feeling risky – go for it!

Tofu Strips

Another super simple iron and protein source for your baby! You have two options here… 

• Pan fry tofu for 1-2 minutes on each side. Include a bit of flavor in there too for your baby, try some turmeric, dill, or paprika. Let cool, and pack in a container to go! 
• I love using Soyganic smoked tofu as another option – it’s non-gmo, organic and there’s no need to cook it. Just slice it, pack, and go. It doesn’t get any easier than that!

Tofu is my favorite to-go protein! It’s the perfect texture for a baby, no crumbly mess, and offers lots of calcium and protein! Plus, pair it with a fruit high in vitamin C, like some freeze dried strawberries, and you’ve got a great source of iron too!

Thawed Peas (from frozen)

No need to cook these! Just dump some frozen peas into a container and let them thaw out over a couple hours until ready to eat. Plus, the cold peas keep everything else you pack nice and cold too. Fast food at its finest!

And I know what you’re thinking…peas need to be mashed right? No, they don’t. They’re actually not considered a choking hazard because they’re so soft and are so easily mashed in your baby’s mouth. It’s round, hard foods that you want to look out for, think like grapes. But if it makes you feel more comfortable, there’s no harm in giving them a quick squish before offering them to your baby.

Homemade Muffin

One more yummy option is a homemade muffin, or mini muffins, – and I’ve got two ideas for them.

Option 1: Bake a tasty pastry muffin for your baby.

Choose baby led weaning recipes with no honey and no added sugar, besides some fruit. You can even freeze muffins and pull them from the freezer anytime you need one in a jiffy. One of my favorites, that’s popular with toddlers too, are shrek muffins – check out the recipe here .

Option 2: Egg muffins!

These are also great to keep in the freezer and pull out when you need them. I have a recipe available in my 60 Day Baby Led Feeding Meal plan – take a look here to get access to over 80 baby led weaning recipes perfect for your baby and family! Now, with this option you will need to pack those in a cooler, but there’s no mess and tons of nutrition so they make one of the most perfect on-the-go meal ideas !

Travel Baby Food: Top Tips

Now that you have some meal ideas for what to feed your baby while on-the-go, let’s go over some of the other important details.

What About Food Safety for Travel Baby Food Options?

While you absolutely need to consider whether a food needs to be kept cold or not, you don’t need to worry about serving it cold or hot. Don’t stress if you can’t heat some of these foods up, room temperature is fine. 

With the exception of maybe the eggs, although I’ve definitely seen toddlers eat eggs at room temperature, as long as you follow food safety rules, they’re fine to eat that way.

Which leads me to my next point. If you’re out for more than 4 hours, or you’re traveling in the heat, make sure you throw an ice pack in your bag to preserve the food for longer. Babies are more susceptible to food borne illnesses, so you don’t want to take any risks with their food, just pack the ice pack (or frozen peas).

How Many Finger Foods to Pack for Baby Led Weaning While Traveling

Something to keep in mind when traveling with a baby led weaning baby (or any day, even at home), is that babies don’t need snacks between 6-10 months of age . After that, they need no more than 1, maybe 2 solid food snacks. 

Check out my schedules for how many meals to offer based on their age, including milk feedings as well, here .

This means that if the time comes and your baby is hungry, breast milk or formula will continue to do the job most times! It may just be main meals, and as mentioned, 1-2 solid food snacks (maybe one mid-morning and one mid-afternoon) that you offer as they get closer and closer to one year of age. 

So, really you don’t need to pack very much, especially if you’re just starting your baby on solids . I’d go with a few pieces of each food that you’re bringing per meal. And remember, if they eat all of it and they still seem hungry – don’t fret! Breast milk or formula can fill in this gap for now. They won’t starve, and it won’t cause any confusion or anything else you may hear – promise.

What to Bring (Besides Travel Baby Food Options)

As much as we prepare for no-mess meal ideas , we also need to prepare for our baby to surprise us and make a mess anyways…it’s just what they do! So make sure you also pack…

• Bibs – long sleeved ones are the best for keeping clothes clean
• Baby wipes or washcloths
• A silicone suction mat (this is helpful to keep food contained as much as possible in one place)
• Silicone plate with a lid to store all the food – these Bumkins ones are my favorites
• Travel Booster Seat

Safety Tips When Feeding BLW Baby On-The-Go

Feeding babies comes with a risk no matter where you are, or what type of feeding you’re doing (purées or baby led weaning). 

That being said, when on-the-go, you should be extra careful of choking, especially if your baby is not seated in a proper highchair, or is moving around while eating. Both of which are likely when you’re out and about doing fun things – it happens! 

Here are my major tips to keep in mind…

1. Seat baby in someone else’s lap, if possible.

That’s right, let grandma or grandpa get some snuggles while the baby eats, because choking is usually a silent occurrence. This way, you have the best front view of your baby eating to make sure you catch anything happening right away in case, God forbid, they begin to choke. 

That’s why I recommend having someone else hold them in their lap while you do the feeding, so you can watch them better that way.

It also helps if you’re prepared ahead of time by taking an infant CPR course. Our favorite online option is by Safe Beginnings – it’s taught by a certified instructor and child safety expert, so you’re getting the best info available to be prepared for the worst case scenario. Take 20% off with code MYLITTLEEATER and enroll here !

2. Pull over before feeding in the car.

If required to feed in the car, try and pull over while feeding. Feeding in a car is not my favorite, but I know that sometimes it’s just unavoidable. A moving car is even more of a risk, so if you can, pull over first before offering food. 

Feeding while in a moving car can increase their choking risk as bumps and turns can cause babies to lose control of the food in their mouth making it more likely to become lodged in their throat.

And then you have to find a safe space to pull over to have enough room to perform any kind of maneuver on your baby, which takes up precious time, and that’s not a panic I want you to experience ever.

My second point on this is that I really don’t recommend feeding in a car seat, if at all possible, anyway. Again, your baby is not in the correct position for feeding, they aren’t fully upright. This means that their airway isn’t fully open, which again, can increase their choking risk . 

Instead, try to find a safe place to park where you can get out of the car to stretch your legs, and take your baby out to sit on someone’s lap to feed. At least this way they’re able to sit upright and have an open airway.

3. Avoid feeding in a stroller.

I think we’re seeing a theme here, but again, keep them sitting upright. So if a highchair isn’t available, someone else’s lap is the next best option as opposed to a stroller, car seat, etc.

Ok – there you have it! Keep things simple, remember that fast food can mean simple whole finger foods from home, and enjoy your summer out with your babe!

Want to learn how to feed your baby led weaning baby all these foods mentioned in this post, and more? Check out my Baby Led Feeding online course for a complete walk through on starting solids, including videos that show how to safely serve all foods like a pro!

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Registered pediatric dietitian, mom of two picky-turned-adventurous eater, and the creator of the Texture Timeline™ – an exclusive tool to help move your baby through easy to more advanced purees and finger foods to prevent picky eating.

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40 Practical & Encouraging Tips for Traveling with a Baby

Home » Blog » Family Travel » 40 Practical & Encouraging Tips for Traveling with a Baby

Adventuring with a little one can be overwhelming, but these practical tips for traveling with a baby will make it feel much more manageable. After reading this article, you’ll feel encouraged and confident to start planning your dream family vacation.

After taking all types of different trips with our daughter in her first year – from National Parks to European Christmas Markets to traveling Scotland by campervan (and so much more!) – we have learned so much about traveling with a baby. 

Why keep all these tips to ourselves when we can share them with you ?!

We know how overwhelming it can be , especially when other people tell you how hard it is traveling with kids. 

But you know what? It can also be amazing, too. 

Traveling with your little one will full your cup, create lifelong memories, and will open your eyes to a totally different way of looking at taking trips. 

While traveling with a baby certainly looks different and requires more flexibility and planning , we’re still able to do some pretty epic things. And you can too (if that’s what you want).

Traveling with our daughter has truly been life changing, and we can’t wait for you to experience this magic, too. 

Guide to traveling with a baby

• Our story: Read about our travel-style and our background so you understand our approach to traveling with a baby.
• Top tips: Wanna get to the good stuff right away? Jump right down to our top tips for traveling with a baby! 

This article is full of practical tips, gear that is actually worth packing, and encouraging advice that will help you feel prepared and confident about traveling with a baby.

We’ll also be discussing some helpful mindsets about traveling with a baby that can transform how you think about it. 

Whether you’re an experienced parent or you’re dreaming of someday traveling with a baby, we’ve got tips and advice that will help you feel confident to plan the family trip of your dreams!

As full-time travel bloggers , traveling is one of our biggest passions, and it’s also both of our jobs. So when we found out we were expecting, we knew that travel wouldn’t just stop for us once the baby arrived (like many people warned). 

We’ve known for a long time that we’d want to start a family, eventually . So over the years, we (almost subconsciously) took note of all the people we saw traveling with their kids.

• On our 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu , there was a family with 4 kids, the youngest of whom was 8 years old.
• In Thailand , we saw countless families living nomadically or traveling with kids of all ages.
• We met a family on the west coast USA, living out of their campervan with two little boys (before it was common!).

We stored up all these acquaintances as “evidence” that traveling with a baby is not only possible, but it can still be adventurous .

We saw it as inspiration and started to dream of all the adventures we could take our little one on. Together, we dreamed about how we could open their eyes to the endless beauty and kindness around the world. And we talked about how traveling with a child would create core memories and forge a bond between us that we just couldn’t replicate at home.

We were excited about this new chapter, and confident we could forge our own path despite what anyone said.

That mindset came in handy because soon after announcing we were expecting a baby, we got a mixed bag of responses:

• “Can’t wait to hear all your advice for traveling with kids!”
• “You’re definitely going to be slowing down and traveling less now.”
• “Travel while your baby is young, because as soon as they can walk, traveling will be over!”

The good, the bad, the well-meaning… we got it all.

We expected people to say how difficult it would be . And if I’m completely honest, those “you won’t be able to travel anymore” comments encouraged us to prove to ourselves that we could in fact travel with a baby. And thrive while doing it.

The truth is, we were prepared for people to tell us we couldn’t travel with a baby. Remember, we had stored up all that “proof” that we weren’t the only ones with these dreams. 

Thinking about taking an adventure with your little one?

Be sure to download our  complete packing list for traveling with a baby !  It’s packed with good suggestions and advice for what has personally worked for us on our travels with a baby.

Whether you’re getting ready for your first ever trip with a baby, or you’re a parenting pro just looking for a few extra tips, we hope this baby travel packing list will serve you well!

Why trust our advice about traveling with a baby?

For years, whenever we saw people traveling with kids, we’d look at each other and say, “Wow, that’s badass. Someday I want that to be us.”

And now we’re doing it which feels both surreal and like we’ve been training for this for years. Because we kind of have.

Prior to having a baby, we traveled to more than 50 countries together and built a business around the travel industry. So travel is something we are not only passionate about, but it’s something we feel very comfortable with.

We made it a point to bring our daughter on some epic trips during her first year of life. And we have so many more family trips planned for the future!

In Juniper’s first year of life, she:

• took 19 flights
• traveled to 9 countries 
• visited 14 US states
• explored 4 US National Parks
• went on 2 overnight backcountry camping trips
• lived in a campervan for 4 months

Juniper went on countless hikes, slept in many different places around the world, and made more friends than any other other 1-year-old we know!

She is growing into a very adaptable little human, and we feel so lucky for all of the memories we have already created together.

If you, too, want to travel with a little one, we’re here to share all of the things that have worked for us along the way. 

We hope you take the advice that resonates with you and feel empowered to plan and execute your dream family trips!

Why are you here?

I imagine you’re here because you want to know more about traveling with a baby. Ding, ding, ding!!!

Okay, that was obvious. But the rest is a little harder to determine…

• Perhaps you are already a parent , and you want to start adventuring more with your little one but you don’t know where to start.
• Maybe you already travel with your baby a lot , but you’re constantly seeking new tips and advice. Everything helps, right?! 
• If you are expecting, be sure to check out our list of the best babymoon destinations !
• Or perhaps you aren’t even sure you want to be a parent , and you’re trying to figure out how much, exactly, having a baby would impact your lifestyle and dreams.

You might be feeling excited about the prospect of traveling with a baby. Or confused about how to even get started. 

Maybe you’re skeptical about the whole idea of traveling with a little one. Or you’re feeling defeated after being told many times that traveling with a baby is hard, and you’re just looking for some encouragement.

Feel all the feels. They are all valid.

Wherever you’re coming from and whatever you’re feeling, my hope is that you’ll be able to find some nuggets in this article that will speak to you .

Everyone’s journey is different 

In this article, we’re sharing tips for traveling with a baby that have worked for us. 

That last part of the sentence is important: These are the things that have worked for us , personally. 

I will say that we have been privileged that we haven’t had to deal with any major health issues. Our daughter is (for the most part) very easygoing and adaptable. Some of this we can attribute to things we have practiced and experiences that we have exposed her to. But I also know that some of this is pure luck.

Everyone’s parenting journey is different. And every child is different. 

You know your child and your comfort level better than anyone. Plus, we all have different priorities and goals and dreams and lifestyles. (Remember, traveling is a big part of our job, so things may look different for you.)

Pick and choose the tips that will work for you. Ignore the ones that won’t.

Psst! After reading through all our tips for traveling with a little one, be sure to read my personal note at the bottom of this article.

Our best tips for traveling with a baby

Let’s dive into the things that have worked for us.

Scroll through them all (there are 40!), or jump to the sections that are most important to you:

• BUILD CONFIDENCE: Feel confident about traveling with a baby
• PLANNING: Planning your trip
• TRAVEL TIPS: Tips for while you’re on your trip

Good to know: Most of these tips are geared toward babies and toddlers (aka under 2 years old). As our daughter grows and our experiences change, we will continue creating resources based on our personal experiences.

1. Start small with “mini adventures”

One of my biggest pieces of advice is to start small. And start early.

In my last weeks of pregnancy, we got out a calendar and made “mini goals” for each week after the baby was born.

They went something like this:

• 1 week old: Go to your favorite coffee shop
• 2 weeks old: Go on a long(ish) walk (we went snowshoeing because it was winter!)
• 3 weeks old: Go to a brewery or event in town 
• 4 weeks old: Spend the night away (we booked a cabin in the woods)

More ideas:

• Mini road trip
• Go to a friend’s house for dinner
• Book a staycation in your own town or a nearby city
• Find a nearby soaking pool (with water temperatures safe for a baby)
• Picnic in a nearby park

Everyone will have different comfort levels, but do what feels good to you.

Having these “mini adventures” on our calendar brought some much-needed structure to our weeks after having a baby. And obviously we knew we could cancel if it didn’t feel right at that time. 

These little adventures gave us the confidence to slowly make the excursions bigger , so that we weren’t completely overwhelmed when it came time to board our first international flight.

Note: Even if your little one isn’t a newborn anymore, it’s never too late to schedule some “mini adventures” on your calendar. Base the excursions on the skills you want to practice and the type of trips you want to take.

2. Practice “baby skills” on the go

This kind of ties in with the “mini adventures” above, but make sure that you’re practicing some skills on the go:

• changing diapers in new environments
• napping on the go
• feeding (whether nursing or bottle feeding)

Trust me when I say you won’t want the first time you change your baby’s diaper outside of your house to be at the start of a trip. 

Make a point to breastfeed or bottle feed on a walk near your house.

Change a diaper in the coffee shop bathroom instead of waiting until you get home.

It will feel uncomfortable at first. But since you’re close to home, you can always go back and start fresh another day if things don’t go as planned.

Doing this time and time again will make you feel more confident and know what to expect. Plus, it will help your little one get used to environments other than your house.

3. Master the art of napping on the go

Black out curtains, a humidifier, and a bassinet that rocks babe to sleep are great, but we personally knew that we’d be in lots of situations where these wouldn’t be available.

So we were proactive about practicing napping in different situations from the time Juniper was very young . 

At home, we had an ideal sleep environment in her room, but we also practiced napping in the living room, in a travel sleeper, and while wearing her in a carrier so she could be adaptable.

Once we felt comfy with it, we practiced napping around town, and eventually on mini trips.

She quickly mastered sleeping just about anywhere:

• her stroller
• in a baby carrier
• in our arms
• in quiet places
• and noisy ones too

Being able to have her sleep in different environments has been a game-changer for us (especially in the earlier months!). It allowed us to get out of the house and not worry about being home at an exact time.

It also made the prospect of traveling with a baby seem so much more attainable when we were newbie parents.

One item that has been helpful for napping on the go:

• Travel sound machine (if you forget this, there are apps and Spotify channels with white noise)

4. Refine your diaper bag

These “mini adventures” I keep talking about will help you realize what you need in many different situations, and what items never get used. 

Take note of these things and keep repacking your diaper bag until you have it down.

AKA you have all the essentials (and remember to restock the items that get used up, like diapers and wipes!) and none of the bulk .

5. Put the essentials in a fanny pack diaper bag

Your full-sized diaper bag will come in handy for bringing all the necessities on your trip, so don’t leave it at home. But there will be many times where you won’t want to lug a big backpack around all day .

Wandering historic cobblestone streets of European cities or walking beach trails on a humid island or a hike in the mountains will all be so much more enjoyable without your full-sized diaper bag.

Pack the essentials – diapers, wipes, diaper cream, a binky, medications, small snacks, etc. – into a fanny pack. You can also include any of your personal necessities for the day (chapstick, credit cards and cash, keys, etc.)

I have this fanny pack that is actually made for this purpose (there’s a wet wipes pocket), but you could use any medium to large size fanny pack ( like this one ). Usually, I just string it over the handle of our stroller so I don’t have to actually wear it. This way, we’re prepared but aren’t bringing the bulk!

Psst! This diaper bag fanny is much cuter than mine, but it’s 3 times the price.

6. Don’t buy all the things

As soon as you get pregnant, it’ll feel like you are constantly being bombarded with ads for all this “essential baby travel gear”. 

Plus, there are all these bloggers and influencers who share all the gear that they use (myself included).

And holy cow, it’s overwhelming.

There is just so much stuff out there and it can feel like you need it all. 

Spoiler alert: You DON’T.

It’s hard to know what will really make your life easier and what isn’t worth the money or space. 

Here’s the best way to really get a feel for what baby gear you need:

• Take those “mini adventures”! I sound like a broken record at this point, but they are truly a low-risk way to find out what items you really need.
• Find a handful of voices you resonate with and trust (a friend, a family member, a blogger/influencer). See what items they recommend and see if it sounds like something you definitely need.

Psst! One way to save money is to search for items on Facebook Marketplace or your local Buy Nothing group. Many first-time parents end up with duplicate items or are keen to sell baby gear after it’s lightly used (since many things won’t be necessary as they grow older). We got so many baby items and nursery furniture this way (and we’ve sold/given a bunch of things away on these platforms too!).

7. Create routines that can be recreated anywhere

While you’re at home, try to create routines that you can recreate anywhere. 

Maybe there’s a certain book you read to signify bed time. Or a song before naps. Or the routine of brushing hair and teeth.

These routines are simple and don’t require much, so you can give your little one the cues they look for even when you’re far from home.

8. Pick and choose the advice you follow

As a new parent, it can be really scary even thinking about traveling with a baby for the first time. And it’s even scarier when people you know (and trust) tell you how hard it will be, or how that part of your life is over.

First things first: Tune those people out.

Take the advice that resonates with you, and ignore the rest. 

Our personal experience:

I remember when I was pregnant I kept hearing how hard parenting was. The advice came from people who meant well – and who were probably right in many ways – but it made me feel nervous and unequipped. 

In the midst of all the warnings, one of Ben’s cousins talked about how much fun being a parent was. She went on and on about how, “ yes, it’s work, but it is also the best thing ever!”

In that moment, I remember finally feeling excited rather than scared.

So I decided I would focus on the advice that lifted me up rather than the words that brought anxiety.

Now as Juniper is getting older, we get similar well-meaning advice from people who say things like, “Traveling when they’re this age is easy. Just wait until she is walking. Then, your work is cut out for you!”

The “just wait until ” advice doesn’t sit well with me. So now I just ignore it.

Take the advice that makes you feel encouraged, and leave the rest. 

Yes, that applies to this list . 

The tips we’re sharing are things that worked for us . If something doesn’t sit well with you, ignore it and listen to the pieces of advice that feel right.

Everyone’s parenting journey is different. You’re in charge of yours. Nobody else.

9. Work on your mindset

Read the sentence below and internalize it: 

People have kids in every country of the world. 

Unless you’re going to a really remote region or an active war zone, bringing your child on a trip isn’t anything unheard of. Other people have brought their children to the destination you’re dreaming about, so why can’t you?

If traveling with your child is important to you, you can make it happen.

10. Adjust your expectations

Traveling with our baby has been one of the most empowering and rewarding things we’ve ever done. 

But it has also included moments of exhaustion and frustration .

Like many people, we probably don’t share enough of those moments publicly on social media . (Although I’m trying to work on that!)

I truly think that for most people, traveling with a baby will be a wonderful experience as long as you have realistic expectations…

Think about what travel looked like before kids and what it will look like now. Consider what will be the biggest changes. 

This will help ensure your expectations are realistic and set you up for having amazing experiences with less frustration.

These are some of the differences for us:

• Don’t worry too much though, the flight is just a small part of the journey and we have some tips for flying with a baby that will help a ton!
• Traveling with a baby means we usually need to move more slowly , and we are able to do less each day than we would without a baby. 
• Sometimes we need to cancel plans or turn around from a hike early because our daughter just isn’t having a great day. We’ve found we need to be a lot more flexible and be prepared for some plans to just not work out.
• Good news: We’ve got practical tips for choosing accommodation with a baby ! 
• We can’t just pop into a bar for a late-night drink if we feel like it. And there are plenty of cool bucket list activities that just don’t allow children . (Aka no more scuba diving together for a while!) Still working through my FOMO with this, but there are still plenty of epic things we can do, so I’m trying to focus on that.

11. Think about your why

Between logistics and packing, traveling with a baby requires a whole different level of planning. And it can get overwhelming. Especially when you have family or friends who aren’t all that encouraging. 

When you start to get frustrated or overwhelmed, think about why you want to travel with your baby.

Is it to feel like yourself again and pursue a hobby you love?

Is it to create memories as a family? 

Is it to show your child the world and see it through their eyes?

All of the above?

Focusing on the why will make the process – frustrations and all! – much more bearable. 

Here are some examples of why you might want to travel with a baby:

• It fills your cup.
• It shows your child to prioritize things that make them happy.
• It shows them the world is so much bigger than your community.
• It gives them the opportunity to meet and interact with people different from themselves.
• It teaches them flexibility.
• It creates lifelong memories.
• It may introduce them to a forever hobby or skill.
• It teaches them to cherish experiences over things.
• You can grow and bond as a family.
• You can push your comfort levels together.

And here’s one more that I’ll add to the list:

• It’s easier than you think. (Hopefully this article helps make it feel more doable!)

Write your “whys” on post-it notes and stick them around your house. Journal about it. Set your phone screen to be a picture that motivates you.

Do whatever it takes to remind yourself of why you want to make traveling with a baby a priority.

12 Talk about what makes you nervous with your travel partner

Still have some nerves?

That’s totally normal. In fact, I’d be a little worried if you didn’t have anything that you were nervous about.

It can really help to talk out these feelings with your partner. 

Maybe you just need them to listen to you and validate your concerns. Or perhaps walking through the scenarios that you’re most uncomfortable with together and discussing what you’d do in each situation will make you feel more prepared.

Whatever the case, getting your worries out in the open will help ensure you’re both on the same page and there for each other.

13. Don’t stress too much about the flight

The flight is just one (tiny) fraction of your trip. And in many cases, it will not be nearly as bad as you’re making it out to be in your head. 

Think of it this way: Most people on flights have headphones in (watching movies or listening to music) and won’t even notice if your baby is being fussy. 

That realization made me feel a lot better before taking our first flight with a baby! (Hopefully it helps you, too.)

We took 19 flights (legs) with our daughter before she turned one, and we gathered all our top advice and created an entire guide full of tips for flying with a baby that should help ease your nerves and make you feel confident about boarding that plane!

In short: Don’t let your nerves about the flight prevent you from going!

14. Start with a trip that’s within your comfort zone

Just like we recommend starting with “mini adventures” near home so you can build your confidence, make your first trip with a baby one that is within your comfort zone.

Maybe this means you return to a place you’ve already been to.

Or maybe this means you travel to a country where English is the native language (or widely spoken), so you don’t have to worry about language barriers.

Make the actual trip one that doesn’t stress you out or push your boundaries too much. This way, you can focus on getting the hang of this whole t raveling with a baby thang so that you can plan bigger, bolder trips for the future.

15. Pack as light as possible

This is honestly a tough one because I truly think it comes down to finding a balance between packing light and making sure you have all the essentials (many of which are really freaking bulky).

We’ve got lots of advice on the best gear for traveling with a baby , but in general, less is more.  Make sure the items you’re bringing are going to be used and won’t just be dead weight.

And truly, bring as few toys as possible. You will thank me when you’re traveling around with ease because you ditched half the toys you thought you needed.

Psst! Want to know what baby gear we personally recommend? We’ve gotcha covered with our favorite baby travel gear.

16. Remember: you can get diapers everywhere in the world

Personally, I don’t stress too much about diapers because you can buy them everywhere in the world. 

Bring plenty of diapers for the plane and to get you through the first several days of your trip. But if you’re going to be gone for a couple weeks (or more!), don’t stress too much about packing the perfect amount. 

Just about every grocery store or convenience store should have diapers and wipes available.

If you’re having trouble finding them in your destination, ask the hotel staff to point you in the right direction.

17. Choose your accommodation wisely

Something I’ve learned is that the type of accommodation we book with a kid is much more specific than when it was just the two of us .

There are a lot of other factors to consider, and what might have been a perfectly good hotel for you will be a disaster with a babe.

Lemme tell ya, we’ve learned the hard way what doesn’t work well anymore now that we travel with a baby.

There have been a few very uncomfortable stays and even an Airbnb that we left (already paid for) because it just didn’t work with a baby.

Psst! Read our tips for choosing a hotel with baby so you don’t make the same mistakes!

18. Book places with pack ‘n plays when possible

If it’s an option, try to book hotels and Airbnbs that have a travel crib for your baby. 

Many hotels and many Airbnbs offer this, so keeping it in mind when you’re making your reservations is key. This means you won’t have to travel with your own, which is a huge space saver.

Their booking details will usually disclose if they have a crib available. If you don’t see anything about a crib, it doesn’t hurt to ask. We once asked an Airbnb host if she had a crib available, and she decided to buy one so that she could offer it to future guests.

If you’re not finding any good accommodations with cribs available don’t stress too much. It’s definitely possible to bring your own.

The Guava Lotus pack ‘n play is undoubtedly the best travel one on the market. Trust me, I spent a lot of time comparing, and it’s the smallest, most durable, and made without toxic materials. So if you’re looking at buying one for travel, the Guava Lotus is what you want. (This is the one we personally have.)

Even though it is compact, it is still bulky and another item to lug around. So if you can get away with not having to pack it, that’s a big win.

Our personal experience

During our 3-week European Christmas Market Trip, we stayed at 8 different hotels/Airbnbs, and all but one had a crib available, so we decided not to bring our own. We are comfortable with co-sleeping, so we did this on the nights that we did not have a crib available. 

However, there are some destinations where finding accommodation with cribs is much more difficult. For example, we’re currently planning a trip where we’re mostly staying at Airbnbs and none offer pack ‘n play, so we will be bringing our own.

19. You can rent things on vacation… (but you might not want to)

Lately I’ve seen a lot of articles and social media posts about renting baby items on vacation through platforms like BabyQuip .

In theory, it’s a great idea, and can be really useful in some situations . There’s a lot to be said for not having to lug around bulky gear, after all. 

Examples of items you can rent: 

• high chair if you plan on eating lots of meals at the accommodation
• bassinet or pack-and-play when your hotel does not offer this option
• car seat when it is significantly cheaper than going with one through the rental car company
• hiking baby carrier (if you have a big hike planned for on your trip)
• beach toys if you are doing an ocean vacation but don’t have or want to pack the gear
• so much more!

But here’s my word of caution…

These rentals can add up quickly , and before you know it, you might be spending hundreds of dollars. (Especially if you’re on a longer trip.)

The prices vary depending on what products you’re looking for and where you’ll be traveling, so calculate the total cost to help you determine whether this would be worthwhile service for you or not.

20. Invest in a compact stroller

One of our most-loved travel items is our compact stroller. It is one of the things we’d strongly suggest buying specifically for travel.

On our first international trip with Juniper, we lugged our normal stroller. This stroller was a hand-me-down from a friend and we love it for at home. But we quickly learned that it was an absolute beast to transport.

It was very heavy and still took up quite a bit of space even when it was collapsed.

After that trip, we bought a stroller that was made for travel . It folds up small to be able to easily fit in the overhead compartment on planes, making it a breeze for travel. 

We personally love our Colugo stroller (and have brought it all over the US and the world!) and would highly recommend it as a durable and affordable travel stroller.

21. …and a solid baby carrier

Having a solid travel stroller is great, but there are places and activities where a carrier is far superior.

Here are just a couple of things to consider:

Stroller is better when:

• it’s hot out and you don’t want to baby wear
• the sidewalks are well-maintained and the streets are flat

Carrier is better when:

• you’re in a crowded place
• the sidewalks are not well-maintained (or the streets are cobblestone)
• you’ll be getting in and out of public transportation

We’ve had a lot of baby carriers, and we both agree that the Ergobaby Omni 360 is the best all-around baby carrier. It’s pricy, but lasts for a long time and is good in a variety of situations. Plus, it works for both of us to carry her, even though we have very different bodies!

22. Consider traveling in a campervan

We’re biased and this certainly won’t be for everyone, but we’ve found campervan travel to be wonderful with a baby , especially when Juniper was really young.

We had everything we needed with us at all times, and we could pull over at any minute to cook a meal, change a diaper in the comfort of our own van, or just hang out in our own private space.

In Juniper’s first year we:

• spent 4 months living and traveling in our own campervan that we built from scratch
• we rented a campervan in Scotland for a 2-week road trip (spoiler alert: it was amazing!)
• plus, we rented a campervan in Ireland for 1 week too!

If you’re renting, you’ll really want to look at the space to figure out if it will work for your family. Most campervan rental companies will be happy to help you choose. We also have a whole list of USA Campervan Rental Companies you can choose from that we personally recommend.

Traveling in a campervan with a little one certainly requires a different mindset, and I wouldn’t recommend it as your first trip with a baby if you’ve never experienced vanlife before . But I think camping can be very special with a little one and a unique way to see a destination.

And don’t leave home without our VanLife Baby Gear Checklist . These are the things we always pack in our van that make our lives so much easier and keep our baby happy.

23. Get a baby passport ASAP

If you plan on traveling internationally with your little one in their first year, we’d recommend getting the process rolling shortly after they are born so you are sure it’ll arrive in time. We applied for Juniper’s passport when she was just 3 weeks old, so it really isn’t ever too early.

This is actually very easy to obtain and we have a whole guide to getting a baby passport . 

Good to know: If you have Global Entry and want to continue using it, you will also need to apply for this for your baby. We learned the hard way when we were turned away at Global Entry. “Interview” time slots fill up very quickly, so schedule this as soon as you get the passport.

24. Get travel insurance 

Hopefully I don’t have to explain why here, but we get travel insurance for every trip we take.

Now that we have a baby, it feels even more important to be properly covered.

Need advice on how to go about getting the best policy for your situation? We’ve gotcha covered in this guide to choosing travel insurance .

25. Get an eSIM on international trips

If you are traveling internationally, it’s super helpful to be able to connect to cell service immediately upon landing.

This can be essential if you need to contact your transport or hotel. 

We love eSIMs because you don’t have to search for a physical SIM card (a hassle) and you don’t have to pay crazy international coverage fees from your home phone service.

Our favorite eSIM is Airalo .

Psst! We have an entire guide to how to get an eSIM here . 

26. Renting a car is usually a great idea

We love using public transportation on our travels, but having a rental car is a lot more convenient when you’re traveling with a baby.

You won’t need to carry around your car seat or luggage, and you can go at your own pace, making stops as frequently as you need. Plus, you won’t have to run so you don’t miss that train! (We’ve all been there.)

When in doubt, make it a road trip. And be sure to check out our tried and true 5-step plan for making your road trip a success !

Want some road trip ideas?

Here are our favorite road trips in the world:

• Iceland Road Trip
• Scotland Road Trip
• New Zealand Road Trip
• Australia Road Trip
• Yucatan Peninsula Road Trip
• Costa Rica Road Trip
• Banff to Jasper Road Trip
• European Christmas Market Road Trip
• Oregon Road Trip
• Oregon Coast Road Trip
• Utah Road Trip
• Idaho Road Trip
• Washington Road Trip
• Colorado Road Trip
• New England (fall foliage!) Road Trip

27. Include family in your trips

Again, this is a tip that may not apply to everyone, but you may want to consider including family in your travel planning.

This could be an opportunity for them to create special memories with your little one, and who knows – maybe they’ll give you the gift of a “date night” while they watch baby !

You could either plan a trip together (hint: book a big Airbnb for the most comfortable stay!), or plan a trip to visit friends or family who live somewhere you’d like to explore.

We’ve been lucky enough to take trips with both Ben’s family and mine, and we’re excited to plan more extended family vacations in the future.

28. Move around less

If you’re used to moving around from place to place rather quickly on your trips, you may want to slow it down a bit (or a lot!) when you add a baby into the mix. 

You’ll be able to cover much less in one day, and you’ll need to consider what you’ll do during nap times and when babe needs to go to sleep at night.

You certainly don’t need to stay in one place the entire time (though that’s not a bad idea); but trust me when I say you don’t want to move to a new place every single night .

Our rule of thumb is we aim to stay in places at least 2 nights on trips, but 3-4 nights per place is ideal , in our opinion. 

(An exception to this is when we’re staying at an airport hotel the night before a flight, we only book one night.)

Psst! Read our tips for how to choose the best accommodation for traveling with a baby !

29. Get to major attractions early

Take advantage of your little one’s early wake up call (sleeping in on vacation is something I dearly miss!) and when possible, get to those popular sights before the crowds get there .

Not only will you have a better experience without all the people around, but there will be less commotion and sensory overload for babe. Plus, without all sorts of people around you may feel less self-conscious if your kiddo starts to get fussy.

30. Plan on early dinners (sometimes)

Not gonna lie, I’m a huge fan of late dinners. I like the buzzy atmosphere and I don’t usually get hungry until later in the evening.

But alas, there are many cases where it makes a lot of sense to do an earlier dinner when you’re traveling with a baby.

Popular restaurants tend to be a lot more family-friendly before the dinner rush really begins. That might mean making a 5:00 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. reservation . If you’re like me, you might be rolling your eyes, but getting there earlier means you won’t have to worry about disturbing the late-night dinner crowd with a baby that is overwhelmed by all the sights and sounds.

We don’t always stick to early dinners, but when we know a place is popular or on the fancier side (or if it’s a weekend night), we do like to go before the real dinner rush (aka sensory overload!) begins .

31. Take advantage of room service (or takeout & delivery!)

Pre-baby, this was never something I’d do, but having dinner in your hotel or Airbnb can be really convenient (especially after a long day of exploring!).

We’ve gotten takeout/delivery a handful of times on trips and either have dinner as a family, or eat once our daughter has gone to sleep. It’s can be such a treat.

Money-saving tip: If you book accommodation with a kitchen, plan on cooking at least a couple of nights during your trip.

32. Cook some of your baby’s favorite meals

When possible, I like booking accommodation with a kitchen or kitchenette so I have more control over what our daughter is eating.

We love having her try new foods on our travels, and overall she is a pretty great eater. But we’re not always able to get to a restaurant when she starts getting hungry. It’s nice to be able to whip up some easy and wholesome meals we know she likes at our Airbnb so we can carry them with us throughout the day.

Below are a few meals and snacks that have worked well for us. I specifically chose dishes that use few ingredients that are easy to find in most places around the world, as well as dishes that don’t require complex cooking equipment.

If your baby is eating solids, use these ideas or create your own list of their favorite foods that you can easily replicate on your travels. Use this list to determine what items you’ll need to pack from home.

Insider Tip: Bring reusable baggies ( like these or these ) to store food to easy eating on the go. You could even bring a small cooler so you can carry it with you during a day on the road.

Banana & egg pancakes 

Mash one ripe banana then add one egg. Mix until combined into a batter. Pour this in a skillet with oil (I prefer coconut oil), and cook on both sides, like a pancake.

I like to add a little nut butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon if I have access.

Insider Tip: Pack nut butter packets like these to be able to easily add it to different meals.

Smashed avocado

Super simple! You can add tomatoes too if you want. Serve as is or with rice crackers.

Oatmeal 

I prefer to bring my own premade mix from home in a large silicone baggie . Then I can cook small amounts at a time on the road. All you need is hot water.

You can make it however you’d like, but this is a combo I like:

Quick-cooking oats + hemp + flax + powdered coconut milk + chia + cinnamon + freeze dried berries.

Once it’s prepared, you can add nut butter as well as fresh berries if you’d like.

Chia pudding

This is a nutritious meal that is good to make if you’ll be staying in one spot for a while.

A simple Google search will show you plenty of recipes, but I like chia + milk (almond, coconut, or oat are my preferred milks) + a little maple syrup. I usually add a bit of cinnamon if I have it.

I sometimes pack chia seeds from home if I think they’ll be hard to find.

Scrambled eggs 

This is another go-to as eggs are easy to find just about everywhere. 

Bulk it up by adding other veggies, a sweet potato or avocado.

Rice + beans + corn

This is another easy one using ingredients you can easily find in most places. I’d recommend this one if you’re staying in a place for a longer period of time, as you’ll definitely have a few days worth of leftovers.

Alternatively, order rice and beans as a side at a Mexican restaurant and keep it in a takeaway container to store.

Pasta, peas, & pesto

Whole grain noodles combined with frozen peas and pesto is a quick and easy meal and it saves well for leftovers. You can add cherry tomatoes too!

Roasted veggies

If your accommodation has an oven, simply bake some veggies. Sweet potato is a favorite of ours!

Insider Tip: When you’re in a pinch, look in the prepared food section of the grocery store. We’ve found premade guacamole, what bulgar and veggie salad, fruit medleys, and lots more that has worked for us no matter where in the world we are. Check the frozen aisle too. We’ve found frozen falafel (or veggie burgers) and frozen veggies with hummus is an easy meal.

33. Find out where you stand on sleep schedules

One of the most common questions people ask us is, “How do you stick to a sleep schedule while traveling with a baby.”

Our completely honest answer is: We don’t.

This may be somewhat controversial, but we realized early on that we didn’t want to be super rigid about bedtime while traveling. And we didn’t want to always need to go back to our accommodation for naptime.

This is something that has been gradually changing and adapting a bit as our daughter gets older and her needs change. But during her first year, we had a somewhat flexible bedtime and we did a lot of napping on the go. 

This doesn’t mean we were hitting the town until the wee hours, but we often gave ourselves a 1-2 hour window for getting back to the hotel and getting ready for bed. We got to know her cues pretty well and used them to inform our decisions. 

We also had worked on napping on the go so much that if she fell asleep while we were at dinner, we didn’t stress out. We’d enjoy our meal, head back to the hotel and transfer her into her sleeping space.

Important Note: Sleep schedules are one of the more personal topics when it comes to parenting. And we’re not saying our way is right for you. We’re simply sharing what has worked for us so you have somewhere to start.

34. Do your own research about co-sleeping

Personally, once we felt our daughter was old enough, we practiced co-sleeping every once in a while so that we could use it as a tool if needed. This has come in handy several times on trips.

Ideally, Juniper has her own sleeping space in a hotel. However, in the case that she is having a rough night, isn’t feeling well, or we’re staying in a tiny room, we can co-sleep comfortably and with peace of mind.

We’ve also used this as a tool in our campervan on occasion. She has her own crib in our van, but if she wakes up in the middle of the night, we feel comfortable bringing her into bed with us so she is comforted.

Important note: Co-sleeping is another controversial topic. Do your own research and see how you feel so you can make an informed decision for your family.

35. Help your babe adjust to different time zones

If you’ll be crossing time zones, here are 5 tips for helping your little one adjust easier:

Start shifting time zones at home

Before you leave for your trip, start to shift bedtime 1-2 hours to get closer to your destination’s time zone.

Start slow. A few weeks before the trip, make their bedtime 15 minutes later. Then 30. And so forth until you’ve shifted as much as you’d like.

This can help cut the adjustment time down once you get to your destination. 

Good to know: If you’re going to be changing time zones more than 2 hours, you likely won’t be able to fully adjust at home. But every little bit will help!

Maybe you don’t need to adjust at all

If it’s just 1-3 hours different from your home time zone, you may not even need to adjust at all. 

Let’s say you are traveling from Seattle to NYC. This means you will be 3 hours later than at home. 

Perhaps instead of a 7 p.m. bedtime, you allow your little one to stay on their normal schedule and go to bed at 10 p.m. (which will allow you to have extra time to explore the city in the evening). This will also mean later wake-ups which is always nice on vacation.

If this is just a short trip, this can work really well and will also cut down on the adjustment when you go back home.

While you’ll want to aim for the same amount of sleep they typically get at home, there’s no rule that says you have to abide by their normal bedtime hour.

Use daylight to your advantage

When trying to adjust to a new time zone, use outdoor activity and daylight to your advantage.

Your baby will realize this is daytime, and their body will start to adjust accordingly.

Expect jet lag to last one day per hour time change

There’s kind of a general rule that you should anticipate it takes 1 day per hour that you change time zones. 

So that means if you are going to be changing time zones by 5 hours, it will take roughly 5 days for you to feel “normal” and get over jet lag.

This rule is for both adults and babies, so use it as a gauge for your own travels.

Don’t plan anything big on the first day

If you will be shifting several time zones, we’d recommend keeping your first day (or two) relatively free. 

This will alleviate any pressure and will allow you and your little one to rest up after a long travel day.

Insider Tip: We like these homeopathic “No Jet Lag” pills when we’re traveling through many time zones. These are for parents (not babies), but being adjusted yourself definitely helps deal with helping your little one shift as well!

36. Book a family photo shoot

This is a fun one I wanted to throw in there just because!

Instead of booking a photoshoot at home (like many people do), connect with a local photographer on a trip for a photo session. 

On our European Christmas Market Trip, we booked this photo walk last minute, and were so happy we did. With a baby, it has become more difficult to get good pictures of ourselves. (If you know, you know!)

The pictures turned out amazing, and it was such a special souvenir from our trip. You will never regret having photos taken , after all!

We’re definitely going to continue this tradition in our future travels.

Want to do it yourself? Look on Airbnb Experiences . This is where we’ve found a lot of local photographers around the world. Some cities have more options than others, but it is becoming more and more common. Alternatively, you can try to find local photographers in the city you’re visiting on Instagram . Reach out to them in a DM or via their website to book a session during your trip.

37. Plan on some personal time

This might not be advice you take on your first trip with a baby or even on your fifth. But eventually, it might be something you and your partner want to consider.

What would it look like for each of you to be able to do one experience on your own while the other spent quality one-on-one time with your child ?

Maybe this would be something you used to do on trips in your pre-baby days, like going scuba diving or another adrenaline-fueled adventure. Or perhaps it would be a massage appointment to unwind.

I once did a hot air balloon flight next to Mount Rainier (babies aren’t allowed) while Ben and Juniper hung out in the campervan.

This might not appeal to everyone, but if you find yourself missing your old travel days, this might be just the thing you need!

38. You don’t need to limit yourself to only baby-centered activities

If you’re not keen on the typical baby-friendly trips or activities, like kiddie pools or zoos or chain restaurants, I’d like to pop in for a minute to remind you that travel with a baby can look however you’d like .

There’s no rule that says all your trips from here on out have to be at Disney or on kiddie-friendly cruises if that’s not your style. I know we didn’t like the idea of being relegated to only taking trips that were focused on babies from here on out.

We’ve found that while there are certainly some activities you just can’t do with a baby on vacation (scuba diving being the biggest thing we miss!), there’s a lot that you can do, even if it’s not marketed toward families.

Sometimes this means you’ll need to do more planning in advance, but in our experience it has been worth it to be able to continue traveling the way that feels best to us.

We usually research activities in our destination to determine which ones we personally really want to do. Then, unless it explicitly says children are not allowed, we think about what we’d need to do to make it work for us.

Here are some examples of what I mean:

• Some cocktail bars only allow minors until a certain time, so we will plan to go earlier .
• We pack lots of snacks and a good napping-on-the-go set up for walking tours or food tours (we’ve been on a bunch with her!).
• Sometimes we might have to take turns at an activity , like snorkeling or snowboarding, while the other watches Juniper.
• We might alter a hiking route to make it more doable with a little one.
• Often, we’ll go somewhere with the mindset that we’ll leave if Juniper isn’t doing well . More often than not, she surprises us with doing great.
• We still take public transport, but we’ll give ourselves plenty of time to get from Point A to Point B.

It kind of becomes a puzzle of: how can we still do this activity?

Don’t get me wrong – there are times we turn things down because it’s not worth it to us to make it work. But for the most part, we’ve still been able to do most of the things we really want to experience.

And we’ve been able to take some pretty epic trips that are focused on our interests (even though we have a baby):

• road trip around Scotland
• backcountry camping at Cracker Lake in Glacier National Park
• lived in our self-built campervan for 4 months
• Christmas Market hopping in Europe

As our daughter gets older and has her own interests, the way we plan trips will likely change, but up until this point, this is what has been working for us.

Overall, I’m honestly surprised by how much our trips now are similar to the things we’d be doing before having a baby.

39. Get ready for some really special interactions

Something I wasn’t prepared for before having a child is the sweet interactions it would bring to our travels.

We’ve had so many different types of encounters – from servers at restaurants falling in love with Juniper (see pictures below) to people offering to help out when she’s crabby (this has happened multiple times!).

The last photo in the set above was taken at a Venezuelan bakery in Mexico where I was eating by myself with Juniper while Ben had dental surgery. She was just the slightest bit fussy, and the two sweet women behind the counter insisted that they would cheer her up while I eat my food.

Juniper is quite the conversation starter (she loves waving at strangers!), and has brought a whole new level of sweetness to our travels.

I’m so excited to watch Juniper grow up and experience kindness from different people all over the world.

*Excuse me while I go wipe my tears.*

40. Go ahead and book those damn flights! 

Here’s my last piece of advice (for now!):

Just book it!

Don’t let the voices in your head (or your well-meaning neighbor!) scare you away. 

If traveling with a baby is something that’s important to you, I know you can do it. And I’ll be your cheerleader rooting you on!

The first big trip with a baby can be daunting, but I have a feeling you’ll realize it’s not as scary as you’re building it up in your head to be. 

And you’ll feel like such a badass for turning your dream into reality. 

You might even find yourself daydreaming about your next big family vacation, which will feel a lot more doable since you’ve already got one trip under your belt.

Personal note from Katie

I truly hope this article has been helpful to you and leaves you feeling encouraged about traveling with a baby and motivates you to start planning that dream trip. I also hope you’re able to take away some helpful nuggets that you can put into practice! 

I do just want to say that if you want more content on traveling with a baby, please let us know. 

I have been avoiding writing this article for a number of reasons (which I’ll go into below), but it was readers like you who encouraged me to ignore these thoughts and just write it anyway.

So why did I avoid writing this article?

Lemme spill the tea… 

1. Giving parenting advice always attracts negative comments. 

Anytime I share things we do as parents, there’s always someone to point out why they would do something differently. Or why traveling with kids in general is just selfish.

I’m only human, and negative messages and comments are not fun to deal with. So avoiding the whole “traveling with kids tips” felt like an easy way to avoid the negativity. 

2. Traveling with a baby is very different for every single person. 

Everyone parents differently and there’s no way I could create an article that would resonate with everyone. 

This was kind of keeping me frozen in place, asking myself, “How do I give all parents advice about traveling with kids?”

And then I realized I didn’t need to. I just needed to share what has worked for us. I hope you’ve read this article with that lens. 

Some of these suggestions may not work for you or your child. You know your situation best, so pick and choose the ideas and advice that feels good for you.

3. This isn’t a family travel blog.

We decided very early on that we didn’t want Two Wandering Soles to become only about traveling with kids as soon as we had a baby.

At its core, TWS will always be about responsible and adventurous travel . And we aim to share the best things to do in locations around the world, regardless of whether or not they’re family-friendly. 

That said, we’ve realized that we can create family travel content without that being the only thing we write about.

4. Honestly, I don’t feel like an expert at parenting.

We traveled to more than 50 countries before getting pregnant. 

We lived out of a backpack for years on end, and called many different countries “home” for an extended period of time.

We have years and years of experience, and very much consider ourselves experts in all things travel-related.

But the whole parenting thing is new to us. We have one daughter. And at the time of writing this article, she is just over a year old.

So there’s a part of me who kept delaying sharing our “baby travel tips” until I felt like more of an “expert” as a parent. 

But I’ve come to realize that parenting is something that we’re likely never going to feel like experts at . It is a continuous learning process, and as soon as we feel like we’re getting the hang of it, things change. 

I finally became okay with the idea of creating content about traveling with kids without feeling like an expert. Because with the exception of people whose profession is related to parenting, we’re all just doing what we feel is best for our children.

And that might be as “expert level” as you can get.

Want more advice for traveling with a baby?

• Our top tips for staying at a hotel or Airbnb with a baby
• Feel confident on your flight with these tips for flying with a baby !

Save these tips so you don’t lose them!

Pin this article so you can easily come back to it…

We want to hear from you!

We hope these tips for traveling with a baby are helpful!

What advice would you add? Any travel hacks that have helped you? What questions or concerns do you still have?

Note: Please be respectful with your comments. Remember, we are sharing tips that have personally worked for us .

Comments (10) on “ 40 Practical & Encouraging Tips for Traveling with a Baby ”

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experiences in such an engaging and relatable way. You’ve truly inspired me to create unforgettable memories with my baby. Keep the amazing content coming! Greetings!

Insightful travel tips with baby! I loved how you addressed the importance of booster car seats and how they ensure safety while on the road. Your practical advice on traveling with little ones is invaluable, especially for parents like us. As we plan our family adventures, we’ll be sure to consider the booster seat recommendations you shared. Thanks for helping us make our trips safer and more enjoyable for our baby!

Traveling with a baby can be a challenge, but having a reliable travel cot is a game-changer. It provides comfort and security for your little one, ensuring they have a familiar place to sleep and play. Investing in a lightweight and safe travel cot is a must for any parent on the go. Thanks for highlighting its importance in your informative article! -Baby Train-

I feel like I could tear up after reading this – what an invaluable resource! Thank you!

I have been following you both for quite a while & have been trying to implement the tips you’ve shared over the last few months. My baby is 4.5 months old & she is so chill. Maybe it’s her personality, but I also think it’s the way we’ve done things..which has a lot to do with the tips you’ve shared! She can sleep wherever. I’ve practiced changing her & feeding her in different places & she’s been to our local museums & coffee shops more times than I can count. Though I still get nervous about things (like her getting fussy in public, etc), she really makes it pretty dang easy. We’re hoping to spend a couple of months in Europe this summer, so I’ll probably be re-reading it & studying it so I can prepare us as best as possible.

Thank you again. <3

My children are older and I am still terrified of travel, I am so inspired by seeing you travel with Juniper! I am going to start being more brave!

So happy to hear this resonates. I totally get being scared – I am too hehe! Starting with small adventures near home has been so good at building our confidence and hopefully it helps you too. Wishing your family lots of memories and adventures in the years ahead!

As always, you nailed it with your advice and tips…and your honesty. I love what my father-in-law says that parenting is flying by the seat of your pants. So true! And I am a big believer that when you become a parent, you go with your gut because no one knows your kid like you do!

Juniper will grow up with a worldly perspective…what a gift you and Ben are giving her. Travel makes me joyful, too. I like what you wrote about being a better mom when you are happy…so true!

Last year my 21-yr-old daughter was so inspired by my travel blogging that she asked to take some trips with me. So we did and it was special! There is nothing better in this world than when your adult kids want to spend time with you…and in the form of travel!

What a wonderful foundation of love, adventure and joy you are building for your sweet girl.

I know this article will help a lot of traveling parents…and any negative comments you get…tune those right out! YOU are doing it right! Happy travels with your cutie pie baby girl!

Thank you so much for your kind words, Rachel. It means a lot! I bet seeing your kids grow into adults is unlike anything you can describe. And how cool that you get to share a passion with her! Thank you again!

This is amazing and such timely advice! My husband and I are due to have our first baby in May and we have been going back-and-forth about what kind of travel we want to do when he comes. This article has given me so much more confidence about the things that we can do with him and has really helped me see what is possible with a baby. Thank you so much for this! Keep the baby content coming! Your style of travel is so similar to ours and I love to see what you have done with Juniper so far!

Thank you so much, Stef, for the kind words. Truly just brought a smile to my face. So happy to know it resonates with you. And CONGRATULATIONS on this new and beautiful chapter. Wishing your family all the best!

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Flying with Breastmilk, Formula, and Baby Food: An Easy How-To Guide

• Post author By Melissa
• Post date August 20, 2023
• No Comments on Flying with Breastmilk, Formula, and Baby Food: An Easy How-To Guide

Any family traveling with a baby will inevitably face the challenge of transporting breastmilk or formula during a trip. Even if you exclusively breastfeed, a stash of milk, whether expressed breastmilk or formula, is one of the most essential travel items for babies .

Traveling, particularly by plane, can be very dehydrating. And you don’t want to be empty handed or helpless if you experience an unexpected dip in your supply or your baby needs to nurse more than usual.

This is why it’s important to always travel with breastmilk or emergency formula during the baby stage. While the idea of flying with breastmilk may seem daunting, it really isn’t complicated.

However, there are a few things to know about flying with breastmilk, liquid formula, or baby food that will make the process easier.

This guide covers the United States TSA guidelines regarding transporting pumped milk and includes personal tips and advice for flying with breastmilk, flying with formula, or taking baby food through airport security. 

Table of Contents

Our experience flying with breastmilk

Our daughter was exclusively breastfed until she was about nine months old. We began traveling with her shortly after she was born. So, on more than one occasion, we had to fly with breast milk.

We even flew internationally a couple of times during those first months and brought expressed milk along for the journey.  In fact, when our daughter was 6 months old, we flew to Costa Rica for her first international trip. 

I was still breastfeeding almost exclusively, but didn’t want to have an infant attached to my body the entire trip. So, we decided to travel with breastmilk that was previously pumped.

This was our first experience flying with breastmilk. We didn’t quite know what to expect, but luckily, our family and the breastmilk made it there safely. 

In that first year of our daughter’s life, we flew numerous times. We have successfully brought breast milk through airport security and have also flown with liquid formula and baby food without any issues.

What you need to know about flying with breastmilk or flying with liquid formula

Although most things are more challenging when flying with a baby, airlines and airport security agents are more lenient when it comes to the tiniest of travelers.

Here are a few things to know about flying with breastmilk or other baby liquids.

TSA liquid limits don’t apply to breastmilk 

Although the TSA has a very small limit on the amount of liquids you can bring on a plane. The 3.2 ounce rule does not apply to breastmilk, liquid formula, or baby food.

You can actually bring large quantities of these liquids through airport security. Or as the TSA ambiguously puts it “ reasonable quantities ” of breastmilk are allowed in your carry-on bag.

With that said, we have personally brought about a dozen bags of breastmilk, some frozen and some fresh breast milk, through airport security without any problems.

Frozen gel packs are also allowed

Aside from bags of breastmilk or containers of liquid formula, you can also bring gel freezer packs through TSA to keep your liquids cool or frozen. Keep in mind, even in an insulated bag or cooler, ice packs do not stay frozen for more than a few hours.

If you plan to fly with frozen milk, be aware once it thaws completely you must use it within 24 hours. So, I would not recommend bringing too many bags of frozen breast milk on a long flight.

Consider giving your baby milk from your frozen stash in the days leading up to your trip. Pump when you would typically feed your little one to have a supply of fresh milk ready for your trip.

Breast pumps are typically allowed in addition to your carry-on and personal item

It is important to note that you can also bring a breast pump through TSA or airport security if you plan to pump while on your trip or vacation.

Breast pumps are considered a medical device. So, most airlines will not count them as part of the carry-on and personal item allowance. Be sure to check with your airline before your flight.

However, most will allow mother’s to bring a breast pump in addition to their carry-on and personal item. Many breast pumps are somewhat bulky, which can make them challenging to travel with.

However, there are some great travel breast pumps that are compact and easy to clean when on a trip.

You do not need to be traveling with your baby to fly with breastmilk

If you are a mother traveling solo and are still nursing, you will likely have to pump while on your trip to avoid discomfort and keep your milk supply up.

No mom wants to dispose of pumped breastmilk. (There is a reason they call it liquid gold!) But luckily, you don’t have to, at least if flying domestically within the United States.

The Transportation Security Administration allows you to fly with a reasonable quality of breastmilk, whether your baby is with you or not. However, that rule does not apply to flying with liquid formula .

Although, I don’t know why you would need to fly with formula if your baby is not with you. 

Taking breastmilk or liquid formula through airport security

If you plan to travel with breastmilk or liquid formula that needs to be kept cool, keep it in its own small bag rather than placing it in your carry-on luggage.

You are allowed to bring a separate bag for breast milk storage or formula in addition to your carry-on bag and personal item.

Keeping the liquids separate makes it easier for screening purposes. The picture below is the bag I use and how I pack it when flying with breastmilk.

It is an insulated bag that serves as the perfect breast milk cooler so the milk stays frozen or cold longer.

Let the TSA agent know your traveling with breastmilk or formula

When you arrive at the security checkpoint, tell the TSA agent you are flying with breastmilk or formula. Then, put the bag on the conveyor belt for inspection.  It will need to be sent through the X-ray machine.

Don’t worry, the X-ray machine does not harm the breastmilk .

If you do not want it to go through the X-ray machine, you will need to inform the agent. You can opt-out of X-raying the milk. In that case, however, your milk or formula will likely be opened and have to go through additional screening.

Security agents will test some of your milk

TSA will inspect, and even open your breastmilk to run tests on it. The process doesn’t take long and doesn’t taint the milk.

If traveling with powdered formula instead of liquid you can also bring bottled water through security. You just need to specify that the water is for the baby. 

Allow extra time

Always when traveling with a baby or toddler, you should allow yourself extra time at the airport.

The additional screening of your milk will take some extra time, although not much, but you may also have extra gear, like a travel stroller that needs to be broken down, or a framed child carrier for a toddler , that will have to be removed and sent through the X-Ray machine.

However, if you plan to wear your baby in a baby carrier while traveling , most of them do not have to be removed to go through security screenings. In fact, babywearing at the airport is one of the best ways to save time and make flying with a baby easier.

Shipping breastmilk

Shipping breastmilk is an alternative to flying with breastmilk, and luckily there are companies that specialize in this. There are several options to easily and effectively ship breast milk.

Here are some convenient ways to ship breastmilk if you prefer to do so rather than fly with breastmilk.

• Milk Stork is a company dedicated exclusively to shipping breast milk. They send containers that you can fill and ship overnight.
• FedEx also has a milk shipping program, where they can overnight breastmilk in refrigerated containers. Similar to Milk Stork, you can pre-ordered milk bags to fill up. Then, just drop them off at a FedEx location for overnight delivery. 

What you need to know about flying with baby food

Traveling with baby food falls under the same category as traveling with breastmilk or formula, with a few exceptions.

You are allowed to bring enough for the duration of your trip. If you are gone for a week, that is quite a bit of baby food pouches or jars.

I recommend the baby food pouches when traveling with a baby and especially when traveling with a toddler . They are much easier to use on-the-go, and many older babies and toddlers can even feed themselves.  

Like breastmilk and formula you will have to separate baby food from the rest of your carry-on luggage and declare it with the TSA officer.

They will likely inspect it and possibly open one of the containers. If that happens, plan to use that one first since once opened baby food should be used within a day.

Giving Your Baby a Bottle of Breastmilk or Formula on the Plane

If you prefer to give your baby a bottle instead of breastfeeding on a plane , you can request a cup of hot water from the flight attendant upon boarding. Put a bag of cold (not frozen) breast milk in the cup for a few minutes to warm it up, if your baby will not drink it cold.

The water can also be used to mix dry formula if needed.

Nursing or bottle feeding during take off and landing will help avoid any ear discomfort for your little one caused by the pressure change when ascending or descending. 

Flying internationally with breastmilk, formula or baby food

While we have never personally had a problem flying internationally with breastmilk or baby food, it is important to note that other countries may not be as lenient.

Each country may have its own rules and restrictions that apply. Be sure to check with your airline or the international airport from which you will be flying prior to your trip. 

Although we have never had an issue, we have read stories of moms having to dump out breastmilk before their flight. 

Final thoughts on flying with breastmilk, formula or baby food

Whether you breastfeed, exclusively pump, formula feed or choose a combination of those methods, flying with breastmilk, formula, or even baby food doesn’t have to be difficult. When you travel with breastmilk, baby food, or formula, plan to pack enough for an extra day or so.

Traveling can be unpredictable, flights can get cancelled, you may have an unanticipated long layover , and your trip may end up being longer than expected. So be prepared, and pack accordingly.

For this reason, we do not recommend traveling with breast milk in your checked luggage.

Do you have a question or comment about how to travel with breastmilk, formula, or baby food? We’d love to help. Leave us your thoughts in the comments below.

Like it? Pin these tips on flying with breastmilk to save for later!

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• Food & Nutrition

Baby and Toddler Foods To Carry & Avoid While Travelling

Video: Travel Foods for Babies and Toddlers (What to Carry and What to Avoid)

Food for babies while travelling, food for toddlers while travelling, foods to avoid while travelling with your baby or toddler.

Travelling with a baby in tow may seem challenging, but the key to ensuring a smooth journey that both you and the baby enjoy is to be prepared for anything you may need. A major part of travelling with your baby is having the right food around, as babies stomachs are delicate, and can’t handle outside food. Many parents are unsure about what kind of food to carry when travelling with a baby and toddler. To keep your baby’s hunger satiated and her mood happy, it is important to carry food that is both, travel-friendly and delicious. Here are some baby and toddler travel food ideas.

Babies between six to 12 months old are fairly new in the process of being introduced to solids , so it essential to be smart about the type of food you carry along for them. Here are some travel foods for babies.

1. Baby Food

Baby food is nutritious, yummy, and quite easy to prepare while travelling. This kind of food is generally given to infants above six months. There are various baby food premixes that are easily available and travel-friendly.

This is a complete food for babies and toddlers, due to the rich nutrients it contains. You can rely on breastfeeding the baby if you are travelling in a private vehicle, but it can be an issue in public places. Store breast milk beforehand, using a breast pump, and feed your baby during meal times. Formula milk is a great option, as it needs water and formula powder to make the mix.

3. Fruit Purees

These are wholesome, loaded with essential nutrients, and easy to prepare when travelling. This can be prepared on-the-spot since all you need is fruit, milk, a bowl, and a fork. Mash the fruit add milk and feed it to your tiny tot.

4. Carrot Cake

Travel isn’t fun without something sweet, right? Carrot cake is soft, healthy and delicious. You can always substitute flour and sugar with healthier ingredients such as whole wheat and jaggery or honey. Your child will be super happy when you bring out the carrot cake you’ve packed.

5. Porridge Mix

If your baby is over 6 months, you can carry easy-to-make porridge for him. Some easy and delicious porridges made out of sattu or ragi are easy to prepare as you simply need to pour hot water and mix. They are nutritious, easy to carry and a sure hit for your child.

6. Vegetable Puree

Boil vegetables like broccoli and carrot , and mash them until they reach a puree consistency. These can be seasoned and fed to your baby during travel to ensure his nutritional intake is sufficient for the day. Vegetables purees are easy to feed your child, and he will surely love the taste.

Between the ages of one to three, toddlers are now more accustomed to eating solid food, but require non-spicy, hygienic, and well-cooked dishes. Here are some food ideas for toddlers when travelling.

This superfood is easy to carry while travelling and is packed with essential nutrients such as calcium. Kids love the tasty flavours of yoghurt, which is light on the stomach. Ensure you pack yoghurt in travel-friendly jars for an easy feeding session. Ensure that you store yoghurt in a cool environment.

Choose O-shaped cereals while shopping for your trip, and it can prove to be an ideal travel food for one-year-old children and above. Slide them onto his fingers and let him enjoy this engaging activity while travelling. You can add dry fruits to make it healthy and enhance the flavour too.

This superfood is rich in calories and helps to boost the immune system. The unsaturated fats in eggs help in developing the brain. As you’re travelling, you can stick to serving them hard-boiled eggs, as they are the least likely to create a mess.

This Middle Eastern dish is rich in iron, which can prevent anaemia. Its thick texture means that kids are unlikely to spill it, and can be eaten with pita bread, which is filling. Make sure to refrigerate it before carrying and store it in a cool environment.

Parathas are filling, delicious, and can be prepared according to your baby’s tastes. You can prepare theplas at home and pack them for your journey, and your baby is sure to love them. Ensure that you let them cool completely before packing them.

6. Granola Bars

You can make soft energy bars or granola bars at home, loaded with healthy ingredients that are nutritious. They provide your little one with energy throughout the trip and are delicious and filling as well.

Date and dry fruit chikkis, rajgira or peanut chikkis are a good option for toddlers while travelling. These are healthy and stay fresh for a longer time.

8. Baked/ Roasted Makhana or Jowar Puffs

These are delicious, healthy, and filling, and a great option when travelling with toddlers. You can also add some milk flavours to them, which your child is sure to love.

Who doesn’t love cheese? Definitely not your toddler! Carry cheese cubes or cheese sticks and simply pass them to your child as finger food during the journey. It will keep him entertained and satiated for a while.

10. Cookies

You can bake healthy cookies out of ragi flour and jaggery before your journey and pack them. These are a great snack for long journeys as they are sweet and delicious, and last for long when packed well.

If you have a long journey, pack some idlis with sugar or jaggery for your little one. These are filled with nutrition and easy to hold and eat, so you can avoid any mess while travelling. For an extra zing, add spinach puree or beetroot extract to the idli batter to dye them green or purple.

12. Instant Upma or Poha

You can dehydrate some veggies and make a poha or upma mix with very little oil. Once the dry base is prepared, you can pack it along and simply add hot water when it’s time for your baby to eat. These are easy to make and nutritious too.

There are certain kinds of foods to be avoided when you are travelling with a baby in tow. Strike them off your travel list to ensure you and your baby have a hassle-free trip:

• Oily snacks (especially the ready-made variety) should be avoided, as they can lead to issues like heartburn and obesity.
• Soft drinks are rich in sugar and can erode the enamel of your kids.
• Cereals that are high in sugar can lead to early diabetes.
• Thin liquids are easy to spill and cause a mess. Kids have less control over their motor functions and can easily spill and drop food.
• Foods that are relatively small can get lodged in the windpipe and are a choking hazard.
• New and untried food which may not agree with your baby’s tummy

Travelling with your baby should be special for you and your baby. Feeding your baby or toddler during an outstation trip should not cause any stress. All you require is effort and loads of patience, so the journey becomes enjoyable with food and feeding times are the least of your worries.

References/Resources:

1. Feeding your baby: 6–12 months; UNICEF; https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition/feeding-your-baby-6-12-months

2. Prohibited Item List; Airports Authority of India; https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/security-info/kullu-manali

3. Travel Recommendations for Nursing Families; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/breastfeeding/travel-recommendations.html ; July 2021

4. Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/foods-and-drinks-to-limit.html ; June 2023

5. When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/when-to-introduce-solid-foods.html ; August 2021

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Healthy Travel Food Ideas For Baby – Led Weaning On The Go

Traveling with a baby can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to mealtime. Finding healthy and nutritious food options on the go can often feel impossible.

When travelling with a baby, feeding them nutritious and easy food can be challenging. That’s where baby-led weaning comes in. This feeding method enables babies to become familiar with solid foods by feeding them smaller and more frequent meals.

Here are some healthy travel food ideas for baby-led weaning that will be tasty and mess-free. We will discussed on healthy travel food ideas for baby.

Travel Food For Babies Should Be Mess-Free

Travelling with a baby can be quite a challenging experience for parents, and one of the most daunting tasks is editing them on the go. Babies require a lot of attention and care, and providing them with nutritious and healthy meals while travelling can be arduous.

As a parent, one needs to be prepared for anything that comes their way, including mealtime messes. Hence, we bring an essential aspect of travelling with babies – mess-free travel food. Feeding a baby while travelling is a massive one. Gets, as they want their little ones to get the best nutrition without making a mess.

Whether it’s a long road trip or a short flight, parents must ensmealtimer is bameltim, aim to import tollfreeelyee, and, most importantly, be mess-free. With the right guidance and preparation, parents can easily provide their babies vitreous nwitouaba bout pills meals on. They go without worrying about spills or st ins.

Babies love to eat, and travelling with them means packing healthy, allergy-free food that won’t make a mess. Here are a few ideas for travel food that will not only keep your baby happy but will also be mess-free:

The Best Healthy Travel Food Ideas For Baby-Led Weaning

When travelling with a baby, it’s important to pack healthy food options that are nutritious and easy to eat. Some of the best travel baby food options for baby-led weaning include puree jars, solid foods mixed with water or fruit juice, and travel-friendly snacks like cra kers and puffs.

There are a few reasons why travel food for babies should be mess-free. First, keeping food clean and free from germs can be challenging when you’re on the go. Secondly, if your baby eats something that’s not 100% healthy, they’re more likely to get sick on the road. And finally, cleaning up after your little one every time they make a mess is frustrating.

Pack enough food so your child eats at least three times per day, and avoid high-fat or processed foods whenever possible. By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip w try-free, and your little one will be getting all the nutrients they need to thrive.

1. Boiled Eggs

Bo-led eggs are a great food option for baby-led weaning as they are soft and easy to eat. Hey, adding any vegetables they like can be adapted according to your child’s tastes. Please ensure the eggs are at room temperature before travelling so they peel easier. And if you’re travelling with a baby in tow, bo-led eggs make an excellent travel food snack, as they’re both healthy and entertaining. Here are four delicious recipes to get you started:

– Spinach & Mushroom Boiled Eggs

– Peppers & Tomato Boiled Eggs

– Bacon & Egg Boiled Eggs

– Roasted Beetroot, Poached Egg   Greens  salad

2. Cooked Pasta

Cooked pasta is a great food option for baby- lead weaning. Preparing and storIng it in a fridge or freezer for future meals easy. You can also make your sau es or dressings with your pasta dishes. Nutritionally balanced and high in protein, cooked pasta is ideal for baby-led ning on the go.

Bananas are perfect for travelling as they don’t require any preparation, and babies can eat them s a main course or dessert. They also make excellent baby food due to their high levelTlrnativelym, iron, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients. Alternatively, it can dilute or pureed with water or milk to suit your baby’s taste.

4. Can ed Beans Or Chickpeas

When it comes to baby-led weaning, beans are a great food source. They are high in protein and fibre, which is important for preventing my troubles. Beans can be boiled or baked and served Cheeseide dish with rice or bread. Alternatively, chickpeas can be mashed up and served as a dip with some vegetables. Beans shouCheese be overcooked; otherwise, they might become bitter.

5 Shredded Cheese

Mozzarella cheese is a fantastic food for those looking to boost their protein intake, as it contains high levels of dairy proteins. Additionally, it’s also a good source of calcium and Vitamin B12. In addition, shredded chees  can be used as an infant meal repla cement or standalone snack – perfect for on-the-go. Pairing sh-added cheese with fruits and vegetables further enhances its nutritional value.

6. Freeze Dried Fruit

Freeze-dried fruit is a great option for baby-led weaning as it’s s ft and easy to chew. Many different types of freeze-dried fru t can be tailored to a baby’s diet, making it the perfect food choice for picky e ters.

You can also buy premade food packs with everything you need for your baby-led weaning journey, including milk and other essential ingredients. Ensure not to give babies the food too quickly after cooing – this will increase the risk of choking.

7. Baby-Led Weaning T ast Strip

Toast strips are a great way for babies to start eating more so id food. They are easy for babies to grab and hold, making them an ideal snack. Babis can eat toast strips as is or mixed with peanut butter or yoghurt for a ded protein and calcium.

These easy-to-prepare and delicious snacks are perfect for he-go feeding. They come in various flavours that will keep your little one entertained. Keep them in an airtight ht container to stay fresh-tasting – you won’t be disappointed with these guys.

8. Roasted Veggies For Babies

Veggies are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them an ideal food choice for babies. Roasting veggies helps remove some moisture and makes them easier to chew. They add flavour and texture to a baby’s diet – perfect for those picky eaters.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to roast veggies before ad ing your desired vegetables. Be sure not to cook too long, or the veggies will become mushy.

9. Baby Pancakes

Pancakes are a great way to get your child’s morning nutrients in one go. They are low in sugar and protein, making them ideal for little ones who want to reduce their sugar intake. Additionally, pancakes can be made ahead of time and frozen, making them the perfect meal or snack choice when you’re short n time. For sweetness and nutrition, top them off with fruit, honey, or maple syrup.

10. Fresh Fruit

Fresh fruit is a great food option for baby-led weaning. It is high in fibre and v vitamin C, making it a nutritious snack option you can buy premade or make at home using fresh fruits and vegetables. Choosing healthy options, such as apples, pears, bananas, etc, would be best. You can also keep a stack of fresh fruit in the fridge, so feeding your little one on the go isn’t an issue.

11.  Tofu Strips

Are you loo ing for a healthy food option babies can enjoy on the go? Tofu strips are perfect. These soft, easy-to-c ew strips taste pleasant and can be seasoned with any of your favourite herbs or spices. They make an excellent food choice for baby-led weaning as they are gentle enough to chew independently. Always remember that tofu strips should not be the only food your baby eats while travelling – give them plenty of other healthy options too.

12. Thawed Peas (From Frozen)

Thawed peas are a g eat travel food for bay-led weaning as they are soft, nutritious, and easily digested. They can be served as a side dish or as the main course. If you want to make them more special, they adding healthy ingredients like avocado or herbs. Remember that you should not boil thawed peas – this will make them dry and tough.

13. Homemade Muffin

Making homemade muffins is a great way to get your baby the necessary nutrients. They are high in protein and dairy, making them perfect for growing babies. They also contain no sugar, soy, or gluten so that babies can enjoy them without fuss. Making and freezing these muffins is a bonus – you can have fresh muffins anytime.

How Many Fanger Foods To Pack For Baby-Led Weaning While Traveling

When travelling with a baby, it’s important to pack as many finger foods as possible for b by-led weaning. This will ensure that the little one gets all the nutrients and food they need while on the go. Some of the best options include cereals, fruits, and veg tables.

You are breastfeeding, make sure to bring along plenty of milk products too. This will help relieve any feeding difficulties that may arise during your travels.

Travel food for babies also comes in handy if you’re out and about and don’t have access to a kitchen. This is especially true if you’re travelling with other people who are feeding their children, too—having travel food available means no one has to go hungry while you’re away.

Travelling with a baby is o easy, but it’s much easier when you have healthy food options. Here are some great travel food ideas for baby-led weaning that are both mess-free and delicious. We hope now you know healthy travel food ideas for baby.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of baby-led weaning on the go.

There are many benefits to baby-led weaning n the go. Babies learn best when they are hands-on and engaged with what they’re doing. Baby-led weaning is an easy way for babies to independently develop their skills at eating solid foods. It’s a great way for parents to save time and money by preparing healthy, organic meals without fussing over pots and pans.

How Does Baby-Led Weaning Work?

Babies learn best when they are hands-on and engaged with what they’re doing. Baby-led weaning g is an easy way for babies to independently develop their skills at eating solid foods. The baby will gradually move from feeding from a spoon or baby food jar to feeding themselves pureed food directly from a bowl or plate, bit by bit.

What Are Good Travel Food Ideas For Baby-Led Weaning On The Go?

To keep baby- ed wean ng on the go perfectly, bring some simple and healthy travel food ideas. Here are a few options to consider:

1.Fruits and vegetables 2.Cereals and proteins 3.Hard-boiled eggs

How Do You Feed Baby Food When Traveling?

When travelling with a baby, one of the best ways to keep them healthy and happy s through baby-led weaning. This means feeding them food items like raw fruits and vegetables, soft-boiled eggs, breast milk, or formula diluted with water and supplemented with probiotics.

How Do You Do Blw While Traveling?

When it comes to reintroducing solid foods gradually, one of the most popular is baby-led weaning. This diet strategy helps infants introduce solid foods gradually while on the go. There are various ways to do BLW – some parents like to pack baby food jars, and others use specially designed plates and cups. If you’re following a healthy, varied, and ample protein diet for your child, travelling with BLW will be fine.

Michael C. Herrera

I’m a travel blogger with a focus on safety. I’ve been to all seven continents, and I love sharing my tips for staying safe while traveling. I also have a lot of experience with travel hacking and finding the best deals on airfare and hotels. My blog features reviews of restaurants, hotels, and attractions around the world.

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Baby food is allowed in reasonable quantities in carry-on bags. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. Please see traveling with children for more information.

Baby Foods Online

A comprehensive guide to baby foods while travelling (Top 4 Selected Options)

The most frequently asked question among new and inexperienced parents is, “What are the best baby foods while travelling?” So, in this blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about the travel food options for your baby.

Feeding your brand-new eater while travelling is not an easy task. Whether you travel on a bus, car, or plane, the main thing is that you have a sufficient amount of baby food with you.

As babies transition from breast milk to solids, their stomach is delicate and can’t handle the normal food we eat. So, most new and inexperienced parents are unsure about what foods to give their baby while on the go.

While there are many good travel-friendly baby food options on the market, some are not worth purchasing. Lucky for you, we conducted extensive research and testing of various brand products and compiled a list of the top four best baby foods that you can give your baby while travelling. This list is based on the baby food’s affordability, nutrition level, and packaging convenience.

       Top 4 baby foods while travelling in 2022

Plum Organics Stage 2 Organic Baby Food Pouch

If you’re tired of using glass jars and want a more convenient option, Plums organic baby food pouches are a must-try. These pouches are a healthy and convenient alternative to jars, making them ideal for on-the-go baby feeding. Moreover, they allow you to easily customize the portion size, which is ideal for your new eater.

This stage 2 puree is a super delicious combination of apple and carrot that is not only good for the baby’s taste buds but also jam-packed with nutrients like protein and carbs. It is also high in vitamin A and C, which support your baby’s bone health and a healthy immune system.

Since it is a stage 2 puree, it has a well-balanced, smooth texture with a little bit of strained food, making it ideal for babies aged 7 and up. This product’s main Pro, and the reason it ranks first on our list, is that it is 100 percent organic and USDA certified, which means that everything your baby is consuming is soil grown.

• Packed in convenient pouch packaging
• High in vitamins and minerals
• Well-balanced smooth texture
• Made with 100% organic ingredients
• Baby appealing delicious apple and carrot mixture

Specifications

• Brand: Plum Organics
• Recommended age: aged 7 months and up
• Flavor: apple and carrot
• Serving size: 1 pouch (113 g)
• Packaging Type: pouch

This handy stage 2 pouch is an excellent travelling companion for moms who are constantly on the go. You can put one in your child’s diaper bag, and when they get hungry, simply remove the cap and allow them to sip from the spout, or you can also squeeze and portion it out yourself.

Gerber Fruit & Veggie Favorites Variety Pack

Gerber Fruit & Veggie Favorites Variety Pack contains a variety of puree blends for your baby to enjoy. Including a diverse selection of colored fruits and vegetables ensures that your baby receives a ton of nutrients and minerals that are necessary for his or her growth. This rainbow of flavors on your new eater’s plate will encourage them to make healthier choices as they grow.

This variety pack has three unique puree blends: the delicious apple pear and peach pouch, banana and blueberry combo pouch, and apple, sweet potato, and cinnamon puree pouch. All these flavors are mouthwatering and contain a high amount of nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and carbs, which keeps your baby healthy from the inside out.

What’s more, is that all pouches in this variety pack are non-GMO verified, which means that the ingredients used in their production are free of genetic modification, so no worries there. These puree pouches have a chunkier texture and thicker consistency, allowing your 12+ month babies to experience the true taste of soil-grown fruits and vegetables.

• Includes a variety of fruits and veggies combination
• Provide necessary nutrients for your baby’s growth
• Mouthwatering taste
• Non-GMO verified ingredients
• Ideal for picky eaters
• Brand: Gerber
• Recommended age: aged 12 months and up
• Flavor: Variety Pack
• Serving size: 31.5 oz
• Packaging type: pouch

If you have a picky eater who refuses to eat the same food twice, the Gerber Fruit & Veggie Favorites Variety Pack is an excellent choice. This variety pack allows you to mix up the flavors so that your picky eater can have a rainbowy treat whenever they want a snack, whether you are at home or are on a travel journey.

Beech-Nut Veggies Stage 2 baby food

Getting your little cub on a veggie diet early on is a good idea since we all know that it is nearly impossible to do that when they grow up. The Beech-Nut veggies stage 2 baby food is just the thing for that. It has a nice mild sweet taste of blended carrot and zucchini that is just right and complements the juicy pear perfectly.

As we all know, the first thing a baby notices about food is its scent. This puree has a nice earthy scent that even the pickiest eaters will find difficult to resist. Furthermore, Beech-Nut manufactured this puree with all-natural ingredients, which means there are no added preservatives and artificial coloring.

The pouches they come in are extremely convenient, which is why this veggie puree is one of the best baby foods while travelling. Regardless of where you are, you can simply squeeze the puree onto the spoon and feed your baby. Also, with its high potassium, vitamin A, and magnesium content, this puree has you covered in terms of nutrition.

• Made with all-natural ingredients
• Nice earthy scent
• Thin consistency, easy to consume 
• Jam-packed with nutrients and minerals
• Easily available and affordable
• Brand: Beech-Nut
• Recommended age: aged 6 months and up
• Flavor: Carrot Zucchini & Pear
• Serving size: 3.5 oz

Beech-nut also sells these puree pouches in other delectable combinations, such as Fruities (apple, peach, and strawberry mix) and Breakfast (yogurt, banana, and berry mix). These blends give you more room to experiment with new flavors on your new eater’s plate.

Parent’s Choice Stage 2 Baby Food

Everyone loves a nicely pureed banana. Well, we do! When your new eaters start demanding snacks during a car ride, this stage 2 banana puree is just what you need. It comes in a clean open, and serves packaging that makes no mess and is extremely simple to use.

While there is the convenience of a pouch, this puree also works well as a constipation reliever in babies, so if your baby has a weak stomach or is suffering from constipation, this quick snack can help them relieve it while also meeting their daily nutritional requirements. 

This handy 4-ounce pouch of pureed banana offers 3 g of fiber and 60 percent of your baby’s DV of potassium, making it a health package for your rapidly growing baby backpack. Also, if you’re concerned about plastic packaging, know that Parent’s Choice makes all of their products BPA-free, which means the toxic plastic component has been removed.

• Help relieve constipation
• Delicious banana sweetness
• BPA-free packaging 
• Affordable price tag
• Full fills the daily nutrition requirements
• Brand: Parent’s Choice
• Flavor: Banana
• Serving size: 1 Pouch (113g)

If you are looking for a long-term baby and toddler food option that won’t push your budget over the edge, then this Parent’s Choice Stage 2 Baby Food is just for you. This brand is widely available online and in Walmart stores across the country.

                                        Buying guide

Choosing baby food for on-the-go baby feeding can be a difficult task, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the market. So, here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for travelling baby foods.

Packaging 

If you are going for on-the-go baby snack options, then you must select convenient pouch packing. Pouch packaging makes it easy to open and serve without making a mess, and it also allows you to customize the portion size based on your baby’s appetite.

When choosing baby food, choose flavors that your baby enjoys because if your baby dislikes a flavor, there is no way they will take another bite.

Textures are an important part of a baby’s diet because they aid in the development of their understanding of real solid foods. So, make sure you choose different textures and incorporate them into your child’s daily diet.

                                        Our verdict

To sum it up, being on the road with a baby requires some extra preparation. We recommend that you always keep some baby food in your baby’s diaper bag and keep it away from moisture and sunlight. You can also use a blub sucker to refill these puree pouches with homemade baby food. I hope you found this article about baby foods while travelling useful.

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Travelling with baby: food ideas, preparation tips and more.

Travelling with a baby can be challenging, but it is also so much fun! With many country borders opening again after two years of locdown and restricted travels,  surely you are thinking - what to do about food when travelling with your baby? How will you prepare food for your little one while on the go? What type of food is best to bring? And how do you store and transport it all? In this blog post, we will answer all of your questions about travelling with baby food. Let's get started!

Before you travel - plan ahead!

It is always a good idea to plan ahead when travelling with a baby. This includes planning for food. If you are breast-feeding, you will not need to worry about bringing food for your baby, but if you are formula-feeding or giving your baby solid foods, you will need to pack enough to last the entire trip. When packing baby food, it is important to consider both quantity and quality. You will want to bring enough food to last the entire trip, but you also want to make sure that the food is healthy and nutritious.

There are a few things to keep in mind when packing baby food:

- First, think about what type of food you will be bringing. Ready-to-eat foods are a great option because they are easy to transport and do not require any refrigeration.

- Second, consider how you will be transporting the food. If you are driving, you can pack everything in a cooler. If you are flying, you will need to pack the food in containers that meet the air travel guidelines for liquids and gels.

- Third, don't forget to bring a flask of hot water so that you can thaw your frozen or chilled baby food when your little one is ready to eat. 

- Fourth, bring the necessities! Small plastic bowls and cutlery (you can even pack those disposables so that you don’t need to worry about washing!), wet wipes (yes it will get messy), water bottles, etc.

- Finally, make sure to pack enough food for both snacks and meals. It is always a good idea to have some snacks on hand in case your baby gets hungry between meals.

Now that you know what to pack, let's talk about how to prepare baby food while travelling.

Preparing Baby Food While Travelling

There are a few different ways to prepare baby food while travelling.

- The first option is to bring ready-to-eat foods packed in jars or pouches. These are easy to pack and do not require any preparation.

- If you prefer to make your own baby food, you can cook and puree the food ahead of time and then freeze it in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag and store in the freezer until you are ready to travel. When you are ready to eat, simply thaw the desired number of cubes in a bowl of hot water.

- Another option for making your own baby food is to cook and puree the food ahead of time and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This food will last for up to three days in the fridge, so it is a good option if you are travelling for a short period of time.

- If you are travelling with a baby who is eating solids, there are many easy and healthy foods that you can pack. Some great options include:

• fruits and vegetables
• whole grain breads and crackers
• rice cereals

Now that we have talked about what to pack and how to prepare baby food while travelling, let's talk about how to store it.

Storing Baby Food While Travelling

When storing baby food while travelling, there are a few things to keep in mind.

- First, if you are travelling by car, you can store baby food in a cooler with ice packs.

- Second, if you are travelling by plane, you will need to store the food in containers that meet the air travel guidelines for liquids and gels.

-  Third, whether you are travelling by car or plane, it is important to keep the food in an airtight container. This will help to prevent spills and keep the food fresh.

- Finally, if you are travelling with a baby who is eating solids, you will want to store the food in small, easy-to-eat portions. This will make it easier for your baby to eat on the go.

Now that you know how to pack, prepare, and store baby food while travelling, you are ready to hit the road! What are your top tips for travelling with your little one? Why don't you share with everyone in the comments? Safe travels! 😃

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Travel food recipes for your baby: photos

Feeding your baby while on the go

Readymade baby cereal mixes, fruit or vegetable purée, oats banana porridge, wholewheat biscuits, mini vegetable idlis, banana bread fingers, wholewheat carrot cake, well-cooked eggs, stuffed paranthas, cooked pasta shapes.

Once your little one starts on solid foods, travelling with your baby needs a bit more preparation and planning. Try our travel food options that are easy to prepare and carry and won't get messy while feeding your baby. We suggest you feed your baby these foods a few times at home before your planned travel. This will help you see which foods your baby accepts well.

When you're on a trip, nothing can be as handy as readymade baby cereal mixes. These are readily available in stores and come in a variety of flavours. Choose one that is appropriate for your baby’s age and palate. Powdered cereals can be mixed with expressed breastmilk , formula milk or even with boiled and cooled water. You can also make your own cereal powder mix. Ingredients

• 1 cup rice ( chhota chawal )
• 1 cup wheat grains ( gehu )
• 1 cup finger millet ( ragi )
• 1 cup split green mung ( hari moong dal )

Method Wash the rice, wheat, ragi , moong dal several times over in plenty of water. Sun dry them and then roast the mixture in a pan, oven or microwave. Once the cereal is dry through and through, grind it to a fine powder. Transfer to an airtight container. For preparing the cereal, just add in expressed breastmilk, formula milk, boiled and cooled water or any fruit or vegetable purée that is easy to carry.

Choose your baby's favourite fruit or vegetable purée and jar it in an airtight container. Make sure the container is really airtight so that mould cannot set in. Store the prepared purée in the fridge. These generally keep in the fridge for up to two days, provided there are no power cuts . Since purées have a limited shelf life, they are good for a day out, but not your best choice if you are taking a trip of several days. You can also use store-bought purées that might have a longer shelf life. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on using and storing purées.

Oats are a good source of protein, vitamin B1, dietary fibre, and other micronutrients. You can add any soft fruit of your baby's liking to this recipe. Bananas are usually a favourite with babies and readily available in most places, so this is our fruit of choice in this recipe. Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana ( kela )
• Roasted oats (as needed)
• Baby's regular milk

Method Prepare a batch of powdered roasted oats first. You can take one cup of oats or more, depending on how often you use it or how big a batch you want to make. Roast the required quantity over a low flame, stirring intermittently for 2-3 minutes. Once done, transfer the oats to a wide plate and allow to cool completely. Transfer to a mixer and grind to a consistency that your baby is able to eat. For 6-months-old babies, just starting on solid foods, grind the roasted oats into a fine powder. For older babies, the consistency can be coarser. Store in an airtight container.  When making the porridge, use a fork to mash a peeled banana in a bowl. Add 1 to 2 tsp of the roasted oats powder to the mashed banana and mix. Add breastmilk or formula to make the porridge more runny if required. For older babies and toddlers, you can increase the quantity of oats to 3 to 4 tsp and use regular milk .

Wholewheat biscuits are a good option for travel food and quick snacks. Ingredients

• 2 cups wholewheat flour ( gehu ka atta )
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 cup butter
• A pinch of cardamom ( chhoti elaichi ) powder

Method Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Meanwhile, whisk the flour, baking powder and baking soda in a bowl. Add butter into the flour mixture and mix well until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk and stir into a smooth dough. Put the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly for a few minutes. Pat and roll out the dough to about three quarter inch thickness. Cut circles with a 2-inch biscuit cutter, or a cup or katori and arrange on a baking sheet. You could also use cookie cutters in interesting shapes such as animals, stars or hearts. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Once cool, store in an airtight container and use within two weeks.

Here's an interesting twist to the good old idli . This recipe provides balanced nutrition in the form of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fibre and fats. Ingredients

• 2 cups idli batter
• 1/4 cup carrot ( gajar ) - grated
• 1/4 cup boiled peas ( matar )- mashed
• Roasted cumin ( bhuna jeera ) powder - optional

Method Mix the carrot, peas and cumin powder in the idli batter. Pour spoonfuls of the batter into greased idli moulds and steam in a steamer for 10 to 12 minutes or till they are done. Once they cool, pack in an airtight container and use within a day.

Ingredients

• 1 banana ( kela )
• 4 wholewheat bread slices
• 1 pinch cinnamon ( dalcheeni ) powder - 1 pinch (optional)
• Oil or ghee for frying

Method Cut the bread slices into long strips and keep aside. Blend the banana, milk and cinnamon powder until you get a smooth and slightly runny mixture. Heat a non-stick pan over medium flame. Grease with a little oil or ghee . Dip the bread fingers into the banana mixture and lightly fry on each side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain out excess oil. Once done, store in an airtight container and use within a day.

This healthy cake is easy to make and carry and provides a host of nutrients and interesting flavours for your little one. Ingredients

• 150g wholewheat flour ( gehu ka atta )
• 300g carrots ( gajar ), coarsely grated
• 20 almonds ( badaam ), powdered
• 20 raisins ( kishmish ) - finely chopped
• 2-3 walnuts ( akhrot ), powdered
• 4 tsp ground mixed spice (optional)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 large eggs
• 100ml sunflower oil, plus a little extra for greasing
• 3 tbsp semi-skimmed milk

Method Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, grease and line the base of a cake tin with baking parchment. Put the flour, almonds, raisins, walnuts, mixed spice and baking soda in a large bowl and mix thoroughly. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, oil and milk together and fold in the grated carrot. Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring to form a thick batter. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and spread to the sides.  Bake in the oven for about half an hour, or until the cake is well-risen and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin. Take the cake out of the tin and peel off the lining paper. Cut into slices and keep in an airtight container in the fridge until you pack it. It's best for your baby to eat this within 4-6 hours after it's removed from the fridge.

Cooked eggs are convenient to carry and a great way to handle hunger pangs. They work best for short journeys. You can try hard-boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, omelette or egg bhurji . For a more filling meal, offer the eggs with buttered toast, chapati or parantha . Take a look at our slideshow on egg recipes for your baby for more options!

Wholewheat paranthas stuffed with cooked vegetables or purées make filling and yummy breakfast, lunch or dinner options.  Paranthas cut into small pieces or strips make great  finger foods . Ingredients

• 1 cup wholewheat or multigrain flour
• Stuffing or purée of your choice
• Oil or ghee for lightly frying

Method Prepare the dough and use any stuffing of your choice. Good options include potatoes ( aloo ), cauliflower ( gobhi ), peas ( matar ), radish ( mooli ), carrots ( gajar ), beetroot ( chukandar ) or any cooked, leftover dry sabzi . For a more protein-rich option, try stuffing the paranthas with cottage cheese ( paneer ), soya mince or minced meat ( keema ). If using purée, knead it into the dough. Vegetable purées such as pumpkin ( kaddu/sitaphal ), bottlegourd ( lauki/doodhi ), and spinach ( palak ) can also be kneaded into the flour. Another variation is to knead the flour with high-protein food items like different types of cooked and mashed lentils ( dals ), kidney beans ( rajma ) and chickpeas ( chhole ). Gram flour ( besan ) or different types of mixed flours can be used to make delicious multigrain paranthas . Cut into bite-sized pieces or in strips and store in an airtight container. Use within a few hours after they have been cooked.

For short trips, cooked pasta works well. You can carry any vegetable or non-vegetarian purée in a jar and mix it for additional flavour and nutrition. Just make sure you use the purée within a few hours and don't keep any leftover pasta for later.  See our slideshow on nutritious purées for more ideas! These baby recipes have been put together by BabyCenter with the help of Dr Shaveta Kaushal, a pharmacologist with a passion for creating healthy and nutritious meals for babies.

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How To Feed A Baby Homemade Food When Travelling

So you’ve made the decision to go away with your baby or toddler… but apart from remembering the mountains of kit (read here for all the top baby travel essentials you’ll ever need)  needed to help facilitate a stress-free holiday, what about the matter of feeding your little one on this adventurous journey?

I am a true advocate of travelling with kids at home or abroad, but I’d be lying if I said it was painless and easy. The key, in my experience, is to organise and prepare. But more importantly – to be as flexible as possible.

When it comes to food for babies or young toddlers, it needn’t be an uphill struggle. I’ve recently started weaning – and decided to go with homemade purees and meals, with the intention of mixing and matching shop brought baby food, which let’s be honest, is so much easier when you’re out and about.

For more on travelling with baby…

Click here…

Tips For Travelling With Homemade Baby Food

But what happens if your baby, like mine, detests the stuff? I’ve tried every brand going, and the only food he will eat is mine. Kudos to my cooking skills but a little awkward when we have to travel – travelling with baby food throws up a whole new headache.

After having to find products and a method that works for me, it got me thinking ahead to our big trip to South Africa at the end of the year. Peanut will be nearly one and I’m hoping it will be easier to manage his tastes while we are travelling across the country as he will be eating more solid foods rather than the mushy stuff.

But what if that proves not to be the case? Well, I’ve come up with a plan – and regardless of whether you’re staying in a hotel or self-catering accommodation, these handy products will make life a lot easier if you are travelling abroad with a baby and want to feed homemade food. It’s not as hard as you think… Here’s how to travel with baby food:

How to travel with baby food? Use insulated food bag and ice packs 

A great way to keep homecooked meals fresher for longer is to use an insulated food bag. Not only have I done this on long car journeys around the UK, but if you’re travelling by plane, you are allowed to take enough baby food, baby milk and sterilised water for the journey – as well as ice gels to keep them cool. It also means once you get to your destination you can do the same if you have to stay away from your accommodation for any length of time. It’s a great way on how to pack baby food for travel.

How To Prepare Baby Food While Travelling? Use A portable blender or food mill 

Imagine you’re in a hotel or restaurant, and nothing on offer seems to be suitable for your little one? Most establishments now will cater for young babies – so all you have to do is ask. I mean how hard is it for a restaurant to steam some vegetables? And it’s even easier if you have a portable blender that can puree vegetables and fruits in a matter of seconds… There are so many on the market now that are small and rechargeable and this one even comes with a bowl and spoon. If you don’t want a hi-tech one, then the brilliant food mill  mushes manually and you can feed straight from the top of it. For something even simpler, choose  a manual masher which would do the trick, too.

If you really want to splash the cash, then a steamer and blender all in one can do both of the above, and there are portable compact versions available on the market which can fit neatly in luggage or thrown into the back of a car if you’re going on a road trip.

Keep Homemade Baby Food In A Thermos Jar

Over recent months this has been a lifesaver for me especially when I’ve been out all day – or I need baby food for travelling in the car. Sometimes it’s not always possible to heat up food, so a small thermos food jar keeps a meal hot for up to five hours. This would be useful to use in conjunction with the blender above, for instance, if you’ve made something up at lunchtime, you can have extra for dinner later and know it will be hot!

For More Baby Travel Tips

Food cubes and extra containers.

Going on a long car journey? Then throw some frozen food cubes in an insulated bag. By the time they’ve thawed, they will still be fresh and ready to eat. The same can be done if you choose to go self-catering abroad. Make a batch of food, freeze them and you’ll have fresh food for later on in the day if you have to go on a day trip. Extra containers always come in handy, especially ones with lids .

Instant baby food while travelling

If you’re really stuck while your travelling, particularly when you’re abroad, choose foods that are instant. Bananas and avocado, for example, can be mushed up with a fork and given straight away.

Take some tried-and-tested baby food for travelling

Take some familiar snacks and food with you just in case. Peanut loves his porridge, and it’s made by just adding boiling water. This is a quick fix if you need something filling and nutritious and unable to get something suitable for a time. The same for snacks, which can be easily packed in your luggage and shouldn’t take up too much room.

For more baby travel tips

Pin for later – how to travel with baby food.

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Tips for Traveling With a Baby (Without Going Crazy)

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For many people (me included for many years), the idea of prepping for a flight  or long drive with a baby is overwhelming. In fact, many people just assume that travel won’t be possible in the first few years with baby.

Certainly, travel doesn’t get easier with an additional small human who needs to be carried everywhere, but it is far from impossible! Plus it has some perks like typically an easier time getting through airport security.

After almost 11 years of traveling with babies both domestically and internationally, I wanted to share some tips we’ve learned along the way. These tips are by no means foolproof ways to make a baby easy to travel with, but they’ve been really helpful to us.

Tips for Traveling With a Baby

Adaptability is the most important thing for traveling with a baby. You know what they say about the best-laid plans of mice and men, and never is this more true that while traveling. For instance, in our first major travel disaster where we had to quickly rebook a flight back to the US, we were up for over 24 hours. Our kids were great sleepers when they were on a routine, but throw that routine out the window and… wow.

On other trips, flights were delayed, weather happened, or other things disrupted our plans. I’ve learned it’s important to be adaptable and always have a backup plan for food and sleep.

Most of all, kids and especially babies feed off their parents’ energy. It can be really tough, but staying calm if at all possible and keeping the mood light really is half the battle.

Tip 1: Find a Good Travel Bed and Get Baby Used to It

Nothing makes travel tough like a baby who won’t sleep. We learned the hard way that when you have a baby who is used to a very specific routine, crib, and sound machine, he doesn’t sleep so well when you take those things away and change the schedule.

With later babies, we wised up and used a nice and comfortable travel crib in our room for their early months (until about a year old). This way, the bed goes with us wherever we go and is some stability for the baby.

What We Used : We currently use this Baby Bjorn travel crib and it works great, though this Lotus is very similar with higher reviews and is less expensive.

Update: We have since discovered Baby Quip (think AirBnB for baby gear) and use this when we fly or need to pack light. You can rent baby carriers, highchairs, pack n plays, toys, and more from local hosts for reasonable prices. Use code wellnessmama for 10% off of your reservation.

Tip 2: Always Have Extra Clothes on Hand

This applies for you and for baby. With babies, poop happens and so do other messes. Have at least two simple outfit changes for baby and at least one for yourself. If checking bags, make sure these go in a carry-on (another lesson learned the hard way) and have double the diapers you think you’ll need (also learned the hard way). I am usually a cloth diaper fan but use disposables when I travel .

Tip 3: Stock Up on Food and Fluids

A hungry or thirsty baby is a grumpy baby. I always love traveling with nursing babies because there is almost nothing extra to pack and food is always available for them! For older babies, make sure to pack snacks, baby food , and drinks ( some ideas for portable toddler snacks here ). In most cases, there are exceptions to the travel liquid restrictions when flying for these items, but ask ahead if you aren’t sure.

Travel is also not a good time to introduce new foods. Baby may have an upset stomach or other reaction and it is hard to tell if it is from the travel or the new foods. Stick to the basics and the favorites while traveling.

Tip 4: Bring a Good Stroller (But a Small One) & Sling

I’ve yet to ever hear someone complain that they wish they’d packed more luggage to carry on a trip. Minimal luggage seems harder to achieve with a baby. I’ve seen parents trying to lug a massive stroller through airports and not be able to quickly go up escalators because they couldn’t lift it.

We started this way too, thinking we had to bring tons of extra gear for baby. The first breakthrough: finding this really light 13-pound stroller with 5-point harness . It is light enough to carry up stairs and get on escalators but sturdy enough to hold baby safely (if over a few months old). I review some other strollers we’ve tried as well when traveling here.

We also bring a neutral Ergo carrier  (or similar sling) for smaller babies or for hiking with older babies.

Tip 5: Be Ready to Throw It All Out the Window and Improvise

Of course, all the planning in the world is great, but sometimes (most of the time) life with a baby is unpredictable.

As an example, I remember my baby got a 105 fever the day I started drafting this post. We had to change the schedule, drive to find our go-to natural remedies , and just hold her all day until she felt better.

Tip 6: Stock Up on Natural Remedies

Natural remedies have been so helpful when traveling with babies (or even when traveling by yourself!). Often, a situation that isn’t enough to warrant medical attention but is uncomfortable will pop up, like teething or a small cold.

I always keep  a pared down version of this natural medicine kit  with me when I travel. It contains things like chamomile, saline, homeopathic arnica, omega-3s, lavender essential oil (for too much sun exposure), probiotics, activated charcoal, and other remedies.

If assembling all of that sounds overwhelming (although I definitely recommend having it at home too!), this line of natural over-the-counter medicine is affordable and found easily online and in many pharmacies. (Hooray for progress!) I use both their saline and their sleep aid for kids (yes, that does exist and it is  wonderful ), and both are free of artificial additives, dyes, GMOs etc.

Bottom Line: Be Brave, and Go Forth!

I know it can be intimating (and tiring) at times, but my two cents: don’t wait until baby is older to travel! It can be tough at first, but traveling really helps babies learn to be adaptable, and shows us as parents how little stuff we really need to make it work!

So, that’s my list in progress. What are your best tips for traveling with babies?

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells , CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of  Wellnesse , has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books  The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

2 responses to “Tips for Traveling With a Baby (Without Going Crazy)”

If you know you’re going to be a traveling parent, train your baby in the ergo from the beginning. If you don’t train early, some kids don’t like baby carrying methods. My third child never had a stroller which made it TONS easier to get through airports, and he even slept well in it, not disrupting his sleep patterns. Nursing was also hugely helpful. We had minimal baby needs.

Hello, I can’t find your email Address and I am unable to get a reply on the DIY foaming hand soap post. Please help! I made that recipe and it is very drying, it’s drying out our hands and I don’t know why. A few others have commented the same on your post but you have not responded to us. Can you please make a few suggestions on how I could fix this! I made a bunch of the soap and I am pretty bummed about it.

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35 Baby Travel Tips | Infant to 1-Year-Old + Minimalist Baby Packing List

Posted on October 10, 2017 Last modified on August 28, 2023 By Beth

I have been working on this guide for a year. This is all of the knowledge I’ve accumulated from traveling with Eula during the first year of her life. Before her first birthday she’d been on over 40 flights and to at least 10 countries. I lose exact count, to be honest. We’ve dealt with sickness on the road, jet lag, packing, blow outs, missed flights, you name it. And it’s all been fine. After over a year of traveling with a baby I can say with complete honesty that it’s totally worth it and totally doable.

Yes, it’s harder. Of course it’s freaking harder. Not having a baby vs. having a baby. You do the math. But it’s not that hard. When it is hard just remember, this too shall pass. Have a relaxed, what happens happens attitude. No flight ever lasted forever, no crying spell either, no cold, no jet lag. If you’re the sort of person that would get totally freaked or exhausted or just generally not enjoy yourself over a crappy night’s sleep or on the road inconvenience, then maybe it isn’t the life for you.

But if you’re reading this, I’m guessing you value travel, and in that case, it’s worth it. Totally. Babies love to watch the world go by, and ours was always happiest on the move and meeting new people. Keep reading below for my tips & experiences, packing list, a list of favorite gear, and for photos of Eula’s first year growing up on the road! Keep in mind, what worked for us won’t work for everyone, but this is what we did.

Table of Contents

35 Tips for Travel with a Baby Under 1 Year Old

Get the bassinet on long haul flights & an aisle seat at the front of the plane on shorter flights., when can baby safely travel, take as little baby gear as possible., wear your baby., pack light., don’t travel with a lifetime supply of diapers., breastfeed if you can., rent a car with a carseat when you can., not renting a car take the train., eat dinner early., look into local baby sitter or nanny services for date nights or other baby free times., know when to call it., priority boarding, security, and customs: use them with impunity, protocol for going through security varies by airport,  ask for a crib at the hotel or airbnb., rain noise and other sounds on your phone., dave and ava, magic fingers, musical hands: baby show app & baby games apps for phone or ipad., trash can be toys, babies need passports too, even when flying with infant in arms, sometimes there’s a fee., have travel insurance and know where to find the local doctor / emergency room at your destination., blow outs. they happen., on that note…do laundry while on the road., there are huge benefits to traveling with a baby under 1, baby jetlag is real, but you can cope if you plan for it and mentally accept it., gate check strollers and car seats., there are pros and cons to both hotels and airbnb’s/apartments., don’t worry too much over the “nap schedule”., request an empty seat next to you on the plane., be smart and clean, but let the germaphobia go the older they get., you can change a diaper anywhere., babies don’t need a ton of baths, and sinks & buckets work fine., easy flights are worth spending a little more on if you can afford to., move around less., introducing food at 6 months on the road, a bit of our experience..

Eula actually clocked in 6 months old in Morocco, and we waited to let her try solids until Paris just because we didn’t want to take any chances with food born illness. Now at 13 months, I happily let her nibble off of my street food here (I’m writing this from my friend Emma’s flat in Marrakech!) Once we did introduce food, we let her try things at her own pace and we really let local norms guide us. If local children ate it, we let her eat it. I still avoid giving her raw foods (like salad) in countries where the water isn’t very clean because not only is the food not cooked to kill bacteria, it’s washed in the water. That said, I make an exception for fruit with skins and things that can be peeled.

Minimalist Baby Packing List

The diaper bag + carry on packing list.

• Baby Carrier – see the gear list below for faves
• Extra Clothes  – for everyone, mom & dad include — babies blow out, enough said (this was a bigger problem 4-7 months, after which it pretty much stopped)
• Extra Sling – we use a more structured carrier but carry a cloth sling like a Solly Wrap as a back up (in case of blow out emergency) because it’s compact.
•   “Toys” – something amusing for baby, we usually carried a *very* few items that we knew would amuse her and used found objects as the rest (can’t get away with pretending trash is a toy forever, so might as well while you can!)
• Blanket  – handy to cover them up when sleeping on long haul flights or to give them a spot to sit on the floor (I don’t recommend a sleep sack for this because it can be tricky to get them in it once asleep on a plane)
• Snacks – For older babies that have started solids. Fruit, yogurt, bars, all good. I never thought I’d be a pouch carrying mom, but the organic food pouches that have nothing in them but actual food and a bit off water are amazing for travel. And if they are over the 100 mL limit, security usually makes an exception for baby food. I love the brand Smowl, but I don’t know if you can get it in the states. You can probably order them online. They make baby smoothies in pouches with coconut milk, quinoa, fruit. She loves them.
• Pacifier & pacifier clip + back up
• Zip locks bags / trash bag –  for dirty diapers and soiled clothing
• Dedicated Changing Blanket –  we like the Solly swaddling blankets for this as they fold up really compact though something fluffier would probably be more comfortable/absorbant.
• Hand Sanitizer/Disinfecting Wipes –  I like the ones that smell like lavender! But anything will do.
• Stroller  – optional  We didn’t often take one when she was small but we use it more the older she gets. My recommendation is below on the gear list.
• Carseat – optional –  I would only bring this if I had to, and so far I haven’t had to, so I’ve never travelled with one. When she is older and in her own seat, we might. Whatever you do, make sure your carseat clips into your stroller. The last thing you want to do is haul a carseat around by hand. Just no. There are many adapters available that make many carseat/stroller combos compatible.

For the Suitcase  – We prefer Away Bags!

• baby safe sunscreen (if going to a sunny destination)
• small hand breast pump (for nights out!)
• a couple of glass bottles for storing and serving milk
• nose aspirator (babies are nose breathers!)
• bed of some sort 
• medical supplies – bandaids, thermometer, diaper cream, Tylenol for fever if you use it, cornstarch (instead of baby powder)
• baby clothes (jammies, outfits, bonnets, bibs, shoes, sweaters & jackets if cold)
• sleep sack or swaddler (ours never liked to be swaddled so a sleep sack keeps her from kicking blankets off and is safer for little babies)
• a few days worth of diapers & wipes
• extra blankets

My Favorite Gear

• Lenny Lamb – (we used up until about 8 months)
• Ergo Baby 360° (used 8 months+)
• Solly Wrap (used first 3 months and as back up)
• Solly Swaddle blanket (used as changing blanket)
• Fog Linen, Ellie Funday, and Willaby Clothier blankets – we travel with these 3
• Natural Pacifiers
• Wild Creek Co Pacifier Clip
• BabyZen YoYo 0+ Stroller – This is my absolute favorite stroller for travel. It folds up compact enough to fit in an overhead bin (though you can gate check it if you like), has a sizeable undercarriage, and is so easy to fold up and pop out (for a stroller anyway). Can’t recommend highly enough. You can use it from infancy with the bassinet attachment and switch to the seat once they’re big enough). It also can adapt to many carseats, and has wonderful accessories for different weather conditions like rain, cold, and sun. You may notice she’s in a Stokke Xplory in the photos, and that’s because we use it around town sometimes. But the BabyZen YoYo is it for travel.
• Nuna Pipa Carseat
• Philips Avent Glass Baby Bottles – we traveled with 2-3 of these so I would have something to store and serve milk in when I pumped for nights or lunches out when we had a sitter or during long work days
• Medela Harmony Breast Pump – compact, great. I loved this.
• NoseFrida – a lifesaver when baby has a stuffy nose!
• KidCo Peapod Tent – this has been her travel bed since she was 4 months old. It is amazing, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. So light weight and compact. And so much easier than lugging around a pack n’ play. Plus you can pop it at the airport, beach, anywhere! It’s just a great little baby tent.
• Away Suitcases – the best. Choose the size that best suits your needs. Now that we have the baby and because of my work gear we usually travel with 2 carry-ons or 1 carry-on and the medium sized one. In addition to that we have 2 camera/laptop backpacks and my purse/diaper bag.
• Jet Kids Bed Box – okay, I don’t have this. And I didn’t need it because we don’t purchase a seat for her yet. But when we do, I’m definitely going to get this. It’s a suitcase that turns into a freaking bed on a plane for a baby. I can’t say 100% if it’s awesome because I haven’t tried it, but it *sounds* awesome and certainly looks to be.
• In the Pocket Baby Seat – I’ve also never tried this but someone recommended it in the comments and it looks great! Thanks Camilla!

My name is Beth, Elizabeth Evelyn to be exact. A native Tennessean, I was born in the South.

I am the author behind Local Milk Blog.

Local milk is a journal devoted to home cookery, travel, family, and slow living—to being present & finding sustenance of every kind.

It’s about nesting abroad & finding the exotic in the everyday.

Most of all it’s about the perfection of imperfections and seeing the beauty of everyday, mundane life.

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How to Travel with a Baby - 25 Essentials

Hit the road, baby! Here are some must-haves for traveling with your little one.

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Vacations and holidays are wonderful times to gather with family and friends who may be excited to meet your new infant or see how your toddler has grown. Whether traveling by car or by plane, for just an overnight stay or longer at a destination, it is best to get a head start on planning and packing for travel with a baby.

Traveling with Baby: The Essentials

Especially new parents will observe that packing for travel with baby seems to start small and grow until a second vehicle is suggested just for baby gear. Over packing can cause unneeded stress and confusion. It is best to grab a reliable diaper bag and stick to compact essentials.

• Blanket + Spare: Pack two or three blankets for multi-function use. Blankets are helpful for car seat naps and floor play time.
• Diaper Considerations: Before getting out the calculator and multiplying diapers times wipes per day, parents can pack a changing pad (or disposable pads), rash cream , and just enough diapers and sensitive wipes for the travel duration plus a few extra. Once at the vacation or holiday destination, locate the nearest department store or pharmacy for additional supplies.
• Extra clothes for everyone: Spit-up and diaper explosions happen, and parents’ clothes are often impacted as well as baby’s. In addition to clothes for the holiday duration, pack a change of clothes for everyone (and keep these clothes readily available during travel) to avoid a very uncomfortable trip.
• Breast pump: Breastfeeding mothers will want to pack their breast pump (a small, manual pump will save on packing space) and nipple creams and guards (if necessary).
• Bottles and formula: Bottle feeding parents can save time and hassle by packing pre-measured baby formula packets along with water in baby bottles .
• Cereals & purees: Pre-measure baby cereal into covered containers and add breast milk or formula when ready to serve. Consider soft, baby food pouches over jar food to avoid breakage. If necessary, pack a couple of baby spoons and sippy cups along with bibs in a zip-seal bag (include a spare zip-seal bag for used spoons, cups, and bibs).
• Feeding seat of high chair: Rather than lugging a full standing high chair , parents can save on space by packing a small feeding seat or a travel high chair (there are some great ones that attach to basically any dining chair).

• Pacifiers and clips: Pack two or three of the best pacifiers in case one is dropped during travel. Sanitize pacifiers when destination is reached.
• Thermometer: Babies can encounter a whole new world of germs when traveling. Parents should pack a good baby thermometer in case of illness.
• Nasal aspirator: This is especially important for infants. Young babies are obligate nose breathers, which means they can only breathe through their noses.
• Necessary medications: Parents should be sure to pack any medicines prescribed by their children’s medical professionals.
• Stroller/Baby wearing: There are many excellent compact and lightweight strollers available to save space while traveling. Alternatively, parents may consider packing a wearable baby carrier or sling—saving both packing space and hassle when maneuvering through a new town or city.

Travel Safety

Travel safety means planning ahead and considering the destination point as well as the trip.

• Calling ahead if staying with family. Request firearms and medicines are locked up out of reach.
• Upon arrival, scan the area from a baby/toddler’s perspective. Be on the lookout for pets/pet food, sockets, wires, sharp table edges, stairs, and other dangerous areas.
• Car Seat: Ensure any  infant car seat  or  convertible car seat  is properly installed before a long car trip. If traveling by plane, children over 40 lbs can use the aircraft seatbelt. However, according to HealthyChildren.org , “A child is best protected when properly restrained in a car safety seat appropriate for the age, weight and height of the child. The car safety seat should have a label noting that it is  FAA-approved . Belt-positioning booster seats cannot be used on airplanes, but they can be checked as luggage (usually without baggage fees) for use in rental cars and taxis.”
• Sun Screen or Shades: Long-distance car travel can be hazardous for baby’s skin. “The sun’s ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation can penetrate glass.” It can also penetrate most clothing unless it specifically claims a UV protection value. Parents should protect baby’s head with a hat, and apply safe kids sun screen or a UV blocking window screen. “The US Food and Drug Administration and The Skin Cancer Foundation recommend using sunscreen only on children older than six months. The American Academy of Pediatrics, on the other hand, suggests applying sunscreen to small areas of exposed skin in infants younger than six months old if appropriate clothing and shade are not available” ( SkinCancer.org )
• Dress in Layers: Dressing in layers is a safety precaution for properly sitting baby into a car seat, but this is especially important for families traveling between climates. Layers allow family members to quickly and easily adjust for comfort.
• Extra Baby Wipes: Baby wipes are magically versatile! Pack extra sensitive baby wipes for sticky face/finger cleanup, table wipe-down, and other travel messes.

Checklist and Tips

Parents can ease travel chaos by getting an early start on organization and packing. Creating a checklist will help keep plans on track and provide peace of mind.

• Pack Ahead: Pack everything into the car the night before. This helps avoid a crazy, morning rush.
• Travel During Sleep Times: If possible, plan the longest portion of the voyage during baby’s regular sleep times. Napping schedules may be impacted by holidays and travel, but this is one way to ensure babies will have some quiet time to sleep on schedule.
• Bring Snacks: Babies are picky eaters (check out our top tips for dealing with a picky eater ) - pack a few favorites to keep on hand in case of fussiness.
• Plan Stops and Activities: For car trips, the AAP recommends parents “plan to stop driving and give yourself and your child a break about every two hours.” Crayons and a paper pad, plus a few small toys will help keep baby occupied during travel. Parents can also get creative while entertaining baby during travel—in a pinch, a couple of coffee cups from a café are great noise-makers or stacking toys! 
• Avoid Peak Day Travel: When possible, parents with small children could save on traffic, delays, and ticket costs by avoiding peak travel days. Some of the worst travel days in the U. S. include the day before Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
• travel with baby

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14 best places to go on vacation with a baby or toddler

Shop TODAY independently determines what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, we earn a commission. Learn more .

Couples who love to travel don't have to hang up their suitcases when a baby comes along, despite what some may say.

Believe it or not, now — while your baby is still, well, a baby — is a great time to get up and go on a getaway. After all, babies and toddlers can often share a seat with an adult — and it is possible to plan a family vacation with them.

"People are so intimidated by travel with young kids," Jen Campbell Boles, the founder of Explore More Family Travel , tells TODAY.com. "Not only is it important to get your kids used to traveling at a young age, it is also really nice to be able to (avoid traveling) during school holidays."

14 Best Places To Go On Vacation With A Baby Or Toddler

Whether you are heading out on your first vacation as parents or need some travel inspiration, these are our tips and picks for the best in baby-friendly and kid-friendly destinations.

Beach Vacations

Beaches are one of the most popular destinations for all travelers. When tot-friendliness — not ocean views — is your prime concern, look for beach spots with plenty of family attractions and services.

Where to go: Paradise Island, Bahamas

Cool option: Atlantis

Why parents will love it: The "Prompt Response Line" allows parents to order anything they need to care for their baby; custom meals for severe food allergies; Johnson & Johnson Gentle Travel Kits; Atlantis Kids Adventures (AKA) and Sea Squirts interactive marine animal program and feedings for kids ages 3 and up; CPR-certified babysitters; luxurious Mandara Spa.

Why kids will love it: 141 acres of water attractions including Splashers, a waterplay area just for tots; 50,000 fish and sea creatures; make-your-own stuffed animals at Atlantis Pals; free nightly family movies.

When to go: Year-round with great rates during fall months

Best for: Families who love water activities, particularly those with at least one school-aged child.

More great options:

• The Breakers Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Florida
• Isla Verde Beach Resort , San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Winnetu Oceanside Resort , Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Explore a National Park

A national park is the perfect place to cultivate a lifelong love of nature. Toddlers will be wide-eyed and wondrous at the towering trees, blue sky and curious critters they encounter in these great green spaces — best seen from the stroller, child carrier or bike trailer.

Cool option: Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, Washington

Why parents will love it: With mountain vistas, tropical rainforests and coastal tidepools, it's got three eco-systems to discover; there are several bike paths and stroller-friendly hiking trails (get suggestions from the visitor's center); East Beach has a shallow swimming area with sandy shore for digging and castle making; Sol Duc Hot Springs has a toasty mineral water wading pool (and day use rates), so you can soak with your little one safely beside you; picnic areas are scattered throughout the park for alfresco meals; and there's lodging in and outside the park.

Why kids will love it: In the forest they'll discover bright yellow banana slugs and skittering salamanders, and glow worms after sunset; the tidepools are filled with sea stars, crabs, snails and tiny fish; the Discovery Room in the park's main visitor center has interactive touch tables and a pint-sized Ranger Station playhouse, with puppets, dress-up clothes and more.

Cost: $ - $$

When to go: Summer and Fall

Best for: Outdoorsy families

• Yosemite National Park , Sierra Nevada , California
• Acadia National Park , Bar Harbor, Maine
• Rocky Mountain National Park , Estes Park, Colorado

Visit a farm

Little kids love feeding baby animals and helping to bake homemade cookies, two of the many activities that are often part of farm stays. In addition, visiting a family-friendly farm can be a fun, economical getaway for your whole gang.

Where to go: New York's Catskill region

Cool option: Hull-O Farms

Why parents will love it: Escaping the hustle-bustle of the city for a relaxing change of pace; enjoying warm hospitality and delicious food; teaching kids about farm life.

Why kids will love it: Feeding baby animals; milking cows and goats; playing with kittens; hay rides; fall corn mazes; bonfires and s'mores; fishing; kite flying.

When to go: May through October

Best for: Families who enjoy animals, nature and home cooked meals — particularly those who need an escape from the big city.

• The Inn at East Hill Farm, Troy, New Hampshire
• Weatherbury Farm , Avella, Pennsylvania

RELATED: How two families traveled the world with kids — and how you can, too

Amusement Parks

With their tot-tested appeal, Disney World , Disneyland and Legoland (now in Florida as well as California) are often seen as the standard bearers. Families visiting Universal Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter can stop at Seuss Landing for tot-friendly rides.

Where to go: Langhorne, Pennsylvania

Cool option: Sesame Place

Why parents will love it: Many creative opportunities for young kids, all rides and attractions are designed for kids ages 2 to 7; and a special 10,000-square-foot pool for babies and toddlers.

Why kids will love it: Sesame Street characters; nine tot-sized water rides; Elmo's World, a 21,000-square-foot playland with cute character shows; the rocking daily Neighborhood Street Party parade.

When to go: Daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, weekends from early May through late October.

Best for: Families with little ones looking for a day of fun outdoor activity.

RELATED: 5 ways to save money on your next family vacation

Lounge At The Lake

With their calm waters and family attractions, lakes are popular vacations for families with babies or toddlers. Lakes can also be great spots for family road trips, saving big bucks on travel costs.

Where to go: Lake Champlain, Vermont

Cool option: The Tyler Place Family Resort

Why parents will love it: All-inclusive resort with lots of opportunities for "me" time; nine unique programs for newborns to kids up to 30 months of age; kids camp program for toddlers; Parents' Night Out — whenever you wish; parents' only candlelight cocktails and dining; one caregiver to every one to two children; special activities for families with young children; art and water sports activities, bikes with baby seats; parents' helpers and evening sitters available for extra charge.

Why kids will love it: Playhouse Playground; fishing for perch; Splash Pad and indoor/outdoor water play areas; theme parties; campfires; storytelling; teepee and tree house.

Cost: $$$ - $$$$

When to go: Open late May through mid-September. Special rates are available in May, June and September.

Best for: Water-loving families, parents of little ones seeking some romantic time alone and families who prefer all-inclusive vacations.

• Woodloch Pines, Hawley, Pennsylvania
• Point Sebago Resort , Casco, Maine
• Timber Ridge Lodge , Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

What kid doesn't love pony rides, cowboys and singalongs?

Where to go: Highland, New York

Cool option: Rocking Horse Ranch

Why parents will love it: All-inclusive resort vacation; childcare nursery for kids under 4; in-room babysitting; and custom meals for severe food allergies.

Why kids will love it: Over 100 indoor and outdoor activities; pony and wagon rides for kids ages 2 and up; interactive playground for babies and toddlers; new Big Splash indoor waterpark; tubing and ski programs for toddlers; a comprehensive nursery program.

When to go: Open year-round.

Best for: Families who love all-inclusive resorts, a wide variety of family activities and lots of good old-fashioned fun.

• Lost Valley Ranch , Sedalia, Colorado
• Paradise Guest Ranch , Buffalo, Wyoming

All-Inclusive Family Resorts

It's comforting to know exactly how much your vacation is going to cost before you go, especially when you have picky eaters and other little kid issues to consider. Family-focused all-inclusives — hands down — offer the most extensive family amenities of any type of destination, including nannies, suites with separate kids' rooms, baby meal programs and more.

Where to go: Riveria Maya, Mexico

Cool option: Azul Beach Hotel by Karisma

Why parents will love it: Special Toddler & Baby Inclusive program; Gourmet Gerber meals; Fisher-Price Little People themed family suites; Mom's Morning jogging/yoga program; anytime babysitting and nanny services for extra fee; baby equipment and a toy loan program; personalized Family Friends Vacation Planner; beach and pool butlers; private beach dinners; and new spa and seaside massages.

Why kids will love it: Azulitos Play House Kid's Club with Fisher-Price toys; Mini Mayans cultural program; My Gym Fitness Center equipment; Kids' Spa Suites with Strawberry Ice Cream manicures; in-room family movie nights.

When to go: Best temperatures in winter and spring, best rates and family packages in the fall.

Beaches Resorts: Negril, Jamaica ; Ocho Rios, Jamaica ; Turks & Caicos

• Club Med Resorts: Sandpiper Bay, Florida ; Cancun, Mexico ; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Best for: Families who want to be pampered and enjoy lots of amenities, like yummy fruit smoothies, without the constant worry of how much things cost on vacation.

RELATED: 4 family-friendly destinations for the summer

Head For The Mountains

Snow-capped peaks don't leap to mind when you think of vacationing with babies, but many of these vacation spots offer four seasons of family fun and daily kids programs for infants and toddlers. Best of all, these mountain resorts are self-contained vacation destinations with great rates off-season.

Where to go: Jeffersonville, Vermont

Cool option: Smugglers' Notch Resort

Why parents will love it : Year-round Treasures Child Care Center with programs for Fireflies (6 weeks to 16 months); Little Dippers (17 months to 2 ½ years) and Little Rascals (2 to 3 years); pagers and security cards for parents; ski programs for potty-trained kids ages 3 and up; introductory ski program for ages 2 ½ - 3 years (no potty-training necessary) and full-day ski programs for potty-trained kids ages 3 and up; babysitters; and extensive kids' and family programs.

Why kids will love it: Wintertime snow tubing and learning to ski on the Magic Carpet lift; summertime splashing in pint-sized pools with spray zones and mini water slides; year-round fun in the 4,000-square-foot playground and FunZone indoor family entertainment center, and nightly story times and singalongs.

Cost: $$ - $$$

When to go: Year-round, although some of the best deals are available in the fall.

Best for: Families who love winter sports as well as hiking, biking and the outdoors.

• Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls, Michigan
• Deer Valley Resort , Park City, Utah

Desert Hot Spots

Desert resorts have ultra-cool pools set against the spectacular backdrop of cacti, canyons and bright blue sky.

Where to go: Scottsdale, Arizona

Cool option: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

Why parents will love it: Cribs, bibs, washcloths, wipes, lotion, diapers, strollers, playpens, high chairs, and in-room fridges and microwaves are all provided at no charge upon request; kids under 5 eat free, and resort chefs will prepare fresh pureed baby food to order; you and your tots can play together at the "Kids for All Seasons" center, which also has supervised programs for ages 5 and up; the family concierge will arrange babysitting for date nights.

Why kids will love it: The baby wading pool features pint-sized lounge chairs and robes and fresh fruit served al fresco; Saturday night s'mores making at the Saguaro Blossom restaurant fire pits; bunnies, woodpeckers and roadrunners can be spotted on the property; nearby McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Phoenix has a carousel and antique train rides (free with a paying adult).

Cost: $$$-$$$$

When to go: Temperatures are mildest in spring and fall, but best deals are in the sizzling summer.

Best for : Families who enjoy golf, pool time, nature treks and southwestern scenery.

• Rancho Las Palmas, Palm Springs, California
• Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort , Phoenix, Arizona

City Adventures

Exciting, cosmopolitan and chock-full of kids' activities, cities are especially great for weekend getaways.

Where to go : Boston, Massachusetts

Cool option: Colonnade Hotel

Why parents will love it: Stylish Back Bay boutique hotel with the city's only rooftop pool; "Kids See & Do" package includes breakfast, children's fanny pack and welcome gifts, parking, late checkout and tickets to either Boston Children's Museum or the New England Aquarium; conveniently located near museums, charming Newbury Street, Fenway Park, and a quick subway train ride from major historic sights.

Why kids will love it: It's a short stroll from the Public Gardens, where they can run through splash fountains, climb the Make Way for Ducklings statues and ride Swan Boats; Boston Children's Museum has interactive exhibits; New England Aquarium has sea lion shows; it's fun to follow the Freedom Trail and watch street performers in Quincy Market.

When to go: Spring, summer and fall are best for sightseeing and strolling.

Best for: Families who love exploring a bustling urban setting.

• New York, New York
• Chicago, Illinois

Walk On The Wild Side

You can never go wrong at a zoo. Young kids love animals, and special children's sections have interactive areas for petting and feeding the critters. Plus, most are located in cities with other family-friendly sights to explore.

Where to go: San Diego, California

Cool option: Loews Coronado Bay Resort

Why parents will love it: The newly renovated resort has a secluded private-island feel but is minutes away from the San Diego Zoo, Sea World and many other downtown attractions; rooms can be childproofed in advance and a special door sign tells housekeepers when baby is sleeping; Getaway Gear program provides cribs (and a goodie bag of baby care products), swings, potties, play yards and step stools; the chef will whip up homemade baby food upon request.

Why kids will love it: Animal shows and singalongs; a playground for blowing off steam; separate kiddie pool; adjoining Silver Strand State Beach for sandcastle building; ample supply of free pool and sand toys; Kids Closet for borrowing Fisher-Price playthings; rides around the island on the back of a rental bike.

Cost : $$-$$$

When to go: Year-round, with best rates in the fall.

Best for: Families seeking to combine a day at the zoo with a quiet, off-the-beaten-path seashore vacation.

• National Zoo , Washington D.C.
• Audubon Zoo , New Orleans, Louisiana

RELATED: Should skipping school for family vacation be illegal? Parents, teachers debate

Barrier Island Getaways

Barrier islands provide refuge to wildlife, giving little kids lots to discover.

Where to go: Captiva and Sanibel Islands, Florida

Cool option: Captiva's South Seas Island Resort

Why parents will love it: Laid-back, quiet vibe, fully equipped beach villas and homes are steps from the shore, making it easy to get back to the room for nap and lunch breaks; warm, calm Gulf of Mexico water; on-site restaurants, shops and a hot dog boat that often pulls up on the south-end beach at lunchtime; many kid-friendly dining options outside the resort in Captiva Village and on sister island Sanibel; amazing sunsets.

Why kids will love it: Best shells ever (great for decorating sand castles); ultra-fun family water park pool; learn-to-swim school for ages 6 months and up; Turtle Tots crafts center for toddlers and parents; and entertaining wildlife — pelicans dive bomb for fish, crabs scurry across the sand, dolphins cruise by and manatees hang out by the docks.

When to go: Year-round, but the best deals are in the summer.

Best for: Nature-loving families who are content to chill at the beach or pool and don't require lots of structured activity or nightlife.

• Outer Banks, North Carolina
• Wild Dunes Resort, Charleston, South Carolina

RELATED: Top 10 hotel tips when traveling with kids

Say 'Aloha' to Hawaii

Nothing beats waking up to pastel-colored skies and warm tropical breezes. For families, Hawaii offers the feel of an international trip without leaving the U.S. and children (called keiki in Hawaiian) are especially beloved here. And if you're on the West Coast, you can often get good deals on flights to the islands.

Where to go: Oahu, Hawaii

Cool option: Aulani Resort and Spa

Why parents will love it: You'll feel immediately relaxed on the soothing, serene grounds, surrounded by lush mountains and lagoons; it's the perfect combination of Hawaiian culture and Disney magic; rooms have Pack 'n Plays and small fridges (bottle warmers and high chairs can be requested, if available, and strollers and swings can be rented); poolside cabanas (extra fee) are handy for nursing and napping; Laniwai spa offers infant massage lessons; parent-child playdates (with character meet and greets) at Aunty's Beach House, which also offers childcare for potty-trained kids 3 and up.

Why kids will love it: Character breakfasts give them quality time with Mickey, Minnie, Lilo, Stitch and the gang; they can dig for treasure and build sandcastles during Toddler Splash and Play on the beach, wade in the zero entry Waikolohe Pool, and boogie with Disney Characters at the Shaka Shaka Pool Party.

When to go: The weather is good year-round; you may find fewer crowds if you visit when school is in session.

Best for: Families who love tropical islands and Disney characters.

• Napili Kai, Maui, Hawaii
• Grand Hyatt Kauai, Kauai, Hawaii
• Fairmont Orchid , Big Island of Hawaii

This article was originally published on TODAY.com

You should be giving these foods to your babies early to reduce their risk of developing allergies

Australia has the highest rate of food allergies in the world, with one in 10 babies allergic to foods like peanuts, eggs and milk by their first birthday.

The exact cause in the rapid rise is still unknown, but research is constantly happening and several treatment trials are underway across the country.

But experts say parents can help reduce their child's chance of developing food allergies after comprehensive Australian research led to changes in feeding guidelines.

What's changed?

When to introduce allergens to your baby changed drastically in 2016.

"Our recommendations used to be to avoid all allergenic foods," Paediatric Immunologist and Allergist Dr Jane Peake says.

"We now recognise from evidence-based research that the best thing to do is introduce these foods early."

Professor Kirsten Perrett, from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) and director of the National Allergy Centre of Excellence (NACE), said research found the delayed introduction of egg allergens in the first year of life was actually associated with higher rates of food allergy.

"A large randomised controlled trial ... in the UK showed early peanut allergen introduction can reduce the risk of peanut allergy by around 80 per cent," she said.

"The findings of this study, along with several others out of Australia, led to our Infant Feeding and Allergy Prevention Guidelines changing in 2016. 

"Instead of delaying allergens, we actually introduce those allergens in the first year of life as we now know this is the best option for prevention of food allergy."

What are the allergens?

Eggs, cow's milk, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish and tree nuts are among the most common food allergens in Australia, but any food can cause an allergic reaction.

The advice now is that you can and should start to introduce these allergens as soon as your baby shows signs of being ready for solid foods — around six months, but not before four months.

When you begin, introduce them one at a time, so it's easier to identify a potential problem food if an allergic reaction occurs.

If there's not a reaction, great. But Dr Peake said it's important to continue to serve the common allergy causing foods at least twice a week.

"If you give a young child the food only once, that might actually sensitise them to becoming allergic," she explained.

"So we're really encouraging families to not only introduce these foods, but keep giving them because that will actually help decrease the likelihood that their child is allergic long-term, and less likely to have a serious allergy."

What do I look for when giving my child an allergen?

Allergic reactions usually occur quickly — within minutes — but can take up to two hours.

A mild to moderate allergic reaction might include hives or welts, vomiting, or swelling of the lips, face and eyes.

A severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, includes difficult or noisy breathing, swelling of the tongue, wheezing or a persistent cough, or the child is pale and floppy.

If you notice swelling, hives, welts or vomiting, stop feeding your baby that food immediately and seek medical advice. Stay with them and watch for any signs of anaphylaxis, and discuss using antihistamines with your doctor.

If they are showing signs of anaphylaxis, lay them flat and don't allow them to stand or walk.

If breathing is difficult, allow them to sit. If they're unconscious or vomiting, place them on their side and call triple-zero.

If you have an adrenaline (Epinephrine) injector, use it immediately.

How do I introduce allergens?

For nuts and egg, introduce well-cooked egg and smooth peanut (or other nut) butter in small amounts to start with.

Never rub food on your baby's skin, especially in babies with eczema, as this may increase the chance of your baby developing a food allergy.

If you are worried, smear a small amount of the food inside your baby's lip when you give the food for the first time and watch for a reaction.

For other foods, you can also offer them in small amounts – a quarter of a teaspoon at first and increase it as your baby grows and eats more.

Are all reactions necessarily allergies?

Dr Peake said people often think they have an allergy to foods like tomatoes, or notice gastrointestinal symptoms associated with wheat, or behavioural changes in babies associated with dairy.

"But they're not what we call IgE-mediated allergies (which cause your child's immune system to react abnormally)," she explained.

"And so they don't need to be seen by an allergist, they can usually be managed by a general practitioner or paediatrician.

"It's important people actually recognise that not every problem with food is actually an allergy."

She said often mild skin rashes and exacerbations of eczema are not caused by food.

"A lot of people will notice a bit of redness of their child's skin, or will feel that their eczema might be worse and we'll often blame foods for it," she said.

"Eczema can be a significant problem in young babies. But there's a lot of different factors that can contribute to that being problematic, and food is rarely a cause for that."

Dr Peake advised parents to "confirm whether they truly are allergies" through your doctor.

What does my future look like if my child has an allergy?

Most infant egg allergies and 30 per cent of peanut allergy naturally resolve by age six, according to a MCRI-led study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Dr Peake explained tree nuts and seeds are usually "long standing allergies".

"[But] some of the milk and egg allergies don't resolve early, and can lead to anaphylaxis," she said.

"While children with food allergies should strictly avoid their allergens, it's also important to maintain a healthy, diverse, balanced diet that is nutritionally adequate."

Currently, there is no approved treatment for food allergies in Australia, but innovative treatment options are available through clinical trials.

One of these is the Egg-Up Trial, which MCRI launched this month to investigate whether gradually introducing egg at home, following a five-step egg ladder, can help resolve egg allergy in infants.

"An allergy specialist dietitian from the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, guides families through introducing carefully designed egg-based recipes at home over 12 months," Professor Perrett said.

"We are looking to see whether progressing toddlers from having very small amounts of baked egg, through to less cooked forms and eventually raw egg, can safely build a tolerance to egg and eventually mean they no longer have their allergy."

Results are expected to be published in late 2025.

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The Mom Racing to Diagnose Her Child’s Life-Threatening Food Allergies

Because no two paths to parenthood look the same, “ How I Got This Baby ” is a series that invites parents to share their stories.

Melissa and her husband Mehmet were both thrilled when they learned Melissa was expecting a baby. In 2022, she gave birth to a son, Mete, following a healthy and fairly uneventful pregnancy . Though Mete spent his first night in the NICU, both mother and son were discharged two days later with a clean bill of health. The family of three headed home, ready to settle into a new life together.

But the first week of parenthood was more challenging than Melissa and Mehmet anticipated it would be. Mete kept falling asleep while Melissa breastfed him . “We thought that maybe it was normal, because he was a little bit early. But after a few days, he wasn’t really perking up,” recalls Melissa. The baby didn’t even rouse when they rubbed an ice cube against his foot. At Mete’s first checkup, the couple learned that he had jaundice, which happens when the liver hasn’t developed enough to filter bilirubin from the blood. The condition can contribute to sleepiness in a newborn; Mete was readmitted to the hospital to receive light therapy to correct it.

Mete grew more alert in the weeks following his treatment, but he didn’t gain weight. So, following the advice of her lactation consultant, Melissa started topping his feeds with a bottle of high-calorie formula , and after a few weeks, his growth improved. Then, when Mete was around five months old, the couple continued following the traditional feeding playbook: They introduced solid foods, beginning with infant oatmeal. Mete didn’t seem interested in it, which didn’t worry Melissa. But she did stress over another new development: Mete was pooping a lot — more than seemed healthy.

“He really started blowing out. It would go all the way through his clothes, his diaper and whatever he had on,” Melissa says. “Even my friends thought it was weird. I remember them saying, ‘Our babies didn’t do that. Is that normal?’”

Soon after, violent vomiting episodes began. “I picked him up after a nap and he vomited everywhere. I was covered, he was covered, the floor was covered. Thirty minutes later, he did it again,” Melissa recalls. When Melissa called Mete’s pediatrician, she dismissed the couple’s concerns, says Melissa. “She said it was cold and flu season and he had probably caught a bug somewhere.” Melissa wasn’t convinced. She and Mehmet were cautious new parents who rarely went out with the baby and seldom had people over.

Melissa had an inkling that solid food might be causing Mete’s digestive troubles, but she pressed on with serving him new foods — including high-risk allergens like peanuts — at each meal. “Our pediatrician told us that giving him those foods earlier could have a protective effect against allergies, so we shouldn’t wait,” Melissa says.

Melissa even bought an allergen mix-in — a powder that contains ingredients such as tree nuts and soy, that can be added to baby food. She fed a few spoonfuls to Mete, and initially he seemed fine. Melissa assumed that meant he didn’t have nut allergies.

But it turned out that Mete’s digestive troubles — and his experience with allergies — were just beginning. Melissa recounts her harrowing trials learning to feed her child and how these months have shaped her view on whether or not to try for another baby.

On the first signs that Mete had an allergy

About a month after we began solids, Mehmet went to see his family in Turkey and I went to Maryland, where I grew up, to stay with my parents and get their help with the baby while I worked remotely. Over the course of that month, Mete had had a couple of vomiting episodes, but they weren’t as severe as his first. They also happened hours after he’d eaten, so we didn’t connect them to food. We assumed that whatever virus he had was lingering.

But I couldn’t shake the feeling that Mete was off. He was still pooping a lot. I was constantly having to take work breaks to help my dad mop up. I’d even bought waterproof sheets for his crib.

One day, on a Monday while Mehmet was still in Turkey, I took a break from work to feed him. I gave him some kind of puree and added the allergen powder. He only ate a few bites and was done. Then he nursed.

But as soon as I sat him up, he vomited everywhere — like projectile, fire-hose vomiting. The kitchen was covered. And he kept throwing up like that, five or six times, over the course of a half-hour. Then he started dry heaving. My parents and I were freaking out. We couldn’t get him to stop.

Then, all of a sudden, Mete went limp in my arms. I don’t know how to describe it; he just wasn’t responding to me anymore. I held him up to my dad and screamed, “What’s wrong with him?”

“Should I call 911?” he asked. “Yes,” I answered, “I guess so. I think he’s breathing, but it’s hard to tell.” I was crying on the phone with the dispatcher, who was asking me to count Mete’s breaths. I put my face down to his face and could barely feel them.

The paramedics got here quickly and rubbed his sternum, and that woke him up. He was responsive again, and his vitals were okay. “Look, we can take you guys to the hospital right now, but he won’t be seen right away,” one told me.“It’s wintertime. The emergency department is going to be full of sick people. Do you want to wait, and call us back if it happens again?”

I didn’t know what to do. I’d called Mehmet when the baby had started vomiting and woke him up in Turkey. I was panicking, thinking to myself, Is my next call to Mehmet going to be me telling him our baby died?

I was looking at these paramedics, like, Sure, my baby was just limp in my arms, but okay, leave us here? I was beside myself.

We decided to let the paramedics go, but we were all a wreck after that. Mete was pretty unhappy and hard to settle. He finally got to sleep sometime in the middle of the night. I fell asleep on the floor, next to his crib. I didn’t want to leave him alone.

On figuring out what was wrong

We called our pediatrician as soon as her office opened the next morning. I was scared and angry, because I knew I had been right — something about the food was making Mete sick. I told the doctor what he had eaten before the incident, and she said, “Okay, don’t feed him that again.” Then she referred us to a pediatric allergist. We got an appointment a few weeks later.

While we waited for the appointment, I was on high alert. The allergen mix-in we’d been using had a bunch of ingredients in it, so it was impossible to isolate what was making him sick. I also worried he was reacting to something in my breast milk, so I preemptively cut high-risk allergenic foods from my diet, like dairy and soy. I started drinking oat milk instead.

But Mete was still having symptoms. I took him to Maryland to see my family. We attended my friend’s son’s birthday party and he had another set of massive blow outs. I brought blankets with us whenever we visited people, so he could sit on them without ruining people’s stuff.

My husband got back from Turkey, and a few days later we met with the pediatric allergist. She ran a skin test on Mete’s back — the standard test for IgE-mediated food allergies. Immunoglobulin-E, or IgE, is an antibody some people produce when exposed to certain allergens. But nothing showed up. So then we went over Mete’s history. We told the doctor that Mete’s reactions were often delayed. He’d eat and then hours later he’d throw up. That’s when the doctor brought up FPIES, which stands for food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome — a rare allergic condition in which the allergic reaction happens in the GI tract. Unlike IgE-mediated allergic reactions, which happen immediately after ingestion, FPIES reactions come on later. The allergist thought that was probably what Mete had.

FPIES isn’t well-understood. It didn’t get a diagnostic code until 2016, after years of advocacy from FPIES parent groups. As a result, it’s understudied. It’s thought to be rare, but some researchers believe it’s more common than we think. Diagnosis is made clinically, meaning based on patients’ history and symptoms, not on lab tests. Repeat vomiting episodes in a child who doesn’t have IgE-mediated food allergies can point to it. Neither one of us has food allergies, although I’ve always had a sensitivity to corn. We have no idea if my sensitivity has anything to do with Mete’s allergies, though.

The diagnosis was daunting, but we were relieved to be able to name what Mete was facing. Our next task: Figure out what he was allergic to. Mete’s allergist told us we would have to try foods one by one. Because of the severity of his reactions, she recommended that we try food and then take him to the emergency room parking lot, to see if he vomited. So for the next couple of months, that’s what we did.

On the painstaking process of learning Mete’s food triggers

We tried oats first because his vomiting episodes had begun right when we started him on baby oatmeal. Even after I started drinking oat milk, and not dairy, he was still having episodes, so I figured that was probably a big trigger for him.

We packed up the car, fed him some oatmeal, strapped him into his car seat and drove to the children’s hospital. It was a Saturday morning in the middle of winter. We were in the car with a baby with nothing to do. We tried to entertain him in the backseat, and walked him around in the stroller in the parking lot for a little bit.

Two hours passed; nothing. Finally I got out of the car to walk over to the Dunkin’ across the street from the hospital.

I crossed the street, and as soon as I looked back, I saw my husband, waving frantically. Mete had vomited all over his stroller.

We went into the ER and they gave Mete anti-nausea medication to stop the vomiting. Over the next several weeks, as we were doing his food trials, we became frequent fliers in the ER, and the staff there got to know us. A lot of them didn’t know much about FPIES, so we ended up educating them a little bit. We got great care there, but we had to be the ones to tell them what was going to happen and how they should react.

The next few months were exhausting. It also wasn’t cheap. Every time we visited the emergency department, we had a $250 copay. We were also exposing Mete to all the germs in the ED. We started wondering if we could manage his reactions at home.

The fourth or fifth time we visited, the physician who treated us had the same idea. “Do you want me to write a script for the nausea medication?” he asked. Mete’s allergist was okay with it. She still wanted us to thoroughly trial foods, and report his reactions to her so they were documented. But she was okay with us controlling Mete’s worst symptoms after they began. We were always worried about dehydration. Having a prescription for the medication gave us peace of mind.

On continuing to do food trials at home

It can take several exposures to a trigger food for an FPIES kid to react. Sometimes kids don’t react until they get a break from that food and are re-exposed later. After a lot of trial and error, we came up with our own protocol: If Mete doesn’t react to a food after ten tries, the food is probably okay. We also never trial a new food after 2 p.m.. I can’t sleep if I know there’s a chance he’ll react to something. We usually leave trials for weekends, and clear a whole day for it. You can imagine how tedious and time-consuming the whole process is for each food.

The older Mete has become, the harder it’s gotten to do food trials. It didn’t take long for him to figure out we were feeding him things that were making him sick. By the time he was around nine months old, Mete started to distrust food and get really picky. We found out he isn’t allergic to dairy, which is great and meant he could eat yogurt. He would also eat a few purees. But other than that, we couldn’t get him to eat very much or try anything new. Taste and textures bothered him. If we made our own butternut squash puree and there was a lump in it, he wouldn’t accept it. Before long, he was refusing everything. He’d feed the dog his food, play with it — anything but eat it.

Mete started losing weight, and I was worried all the time. We kept supplementing him with formula, and he was still having a lot of diarrhea. Around that time we figured out he had a soy allergy — and there was soy oil in his formula. So we had to cut that out, too.

Over time we have identified 17 safe foods for him to eat. By December 2023, we knew he was allergic to oat, soy, peanut, and sweet potato or apple; he reacted to a puree with both of those in it, so we’re not sure which one triggered him. We think he’s also allergic to rice and egg. He hasn’t vomited after them, but he tends to poop more after he’s been exposed to them through my milk.

On managing her own mental health

Until recently, we didn’t feel comfortable with the idea of having Mete in daycare. We didn’t want to risk him getting sick without us present. My husband is a college professor, but I work from home. We had a part-time nanny for a little while, but I was with Mete a lot of the time.

By fall 2023, we knew something had to give. Mete was walking and talking — he knew where to find me in my home office — so it’s very hard to get anything done with him around. I started calling around to daycares and found one with a solid allergy protocol that also happens to be close to the hospital.

Around the same time, I began to worry that Mete wasn’t putting on enough weight. He was still having chronic diarrhea, so I cut even more foods out of my own diet and lost some weight. My husband started worrying about me . “You’re starving yourself,” he said. I just had a feeling we still hadn’t identified something irritating Mete’s digestion.

Mehmet has ulcerative colitis, so we took Mete to a pediatric gastroenterologist, who tested his stool for inflammation — a sign of irritation. Mete’s levels were off the charts.

So I was right: Something was still making him sick. I was desperate to find out what it was.

On finding a major trigger

Fairly soon after, on New Year’s Eve, I gave Mete sunflower butter, and he vomited — a lot. Mehmet was in Turkey again, and I was in Maryland at my parents’. It was another scary one. I could see the fear in my parents’ eyes.

Suddenly things clicked. I’m a pescatarian, and I eat a lot of foods with veggie protein in them. Vegetarian-friendly foods like imitation meat often contain sunflower. Even though he had been drinking formula that contained sunflower oil without vomiting, it didn’t mean the sunflower wasn’t one of his trigger foods. I’d been consuming a lot of one of his triggers without knowing it.

On turning to breastfeeding as a supplement

We haven’t been able to find a formula without soy or sunflower seed oil in it, so Mete is totally off of formula. He doesn’t like cow’s milk, so that leaves breastmilk. He’s 20 months old and still gets most of his nutrition from nursing, so I can’t stop. At this point, I nurse him in the morning, pump twice at work, nurse him again when he comes home from daycare, and once more before bedtime.

Every time we learn one of Mete’s triggers, I cut it out of my diet and get rid of all the breast milk I have stored in the freezer. I’ve had to rebuild my stash a bunch of times.

Nursing can make you feel trapped. I’ve never been away from Mete. Whenever I’ve thought about it, it’s always been like, “Is this  worth tapping into my emergency milk supply?” But I’d come around to the idea and at the end of last year, I started planning a weekend away with my sister. I was excited to drink and eat out at restaurants and enjoy myself. I was going to pump and dump.

Then, in January, Mete had the sunflower reaction, and I had to dump my freezer stash again. I wound up donating the milk to my cousin, who has a newborn who was having issues with formula.  We shelved the trip, and I found myself mourning my independence all over again.

I’m always nursing or pumping, and Mehmet is always cooking. We even bought a second freezer to store leftovers and some of our meal prep. It’s exhausting. Some nights I wish we could just order a pizza and not think about it.

On deciding whether or not to have another child

I started seeing a therapist last summer to unpack some of my anxiety. Things are definitely getting better, but I’m still working through my emotions.

My husband and I each grew up with a sibling. Before we had Mete, we always pictured having two children. But we can’t consider having another baby until Mete is done breastfeeding. I’ll be 35 later this year, and my husband is 37. We don’t want to wait too long. Research seems to be showing that kids with FPIES are more likely to have siblings with FPIES. What if we have a second child, and that child has even worse FPIES? Not only could it happen again — it could be worse. I’ve heard stories from parents whose kids are three years old, and only have one safe food. I can’t even imagine.

We go back and forth. Sometimes I think we could be fine with just one child, and other times I feel like maybe we’re giving up, admitting defeat. I know it’ll be a perfectly valid choice if we decide to not have another child. But yeah, there’s a little bit of sadness there. We had a vision of having a bigger family, and it might not come to be.

But recently we did decide to go to Turkey as a family. We’re traveling to Istanbul in June for three weeks. Before we go, Mehmet’s family is going to hunt around to see what kind of foods we can get. We’re also planning on bringing a bunch of Mete’s special foods and flours and snacks with us, in Tupperware containers. We’ve rented an apartment, so we can cook. We’re looking forward to it — but we’re also a little bit nervous.

On raising Mete today

We don’t take a lot of chances on new foods with Mete, for obvious reasons. I’ve had to get really creative in the kitchen. I’ve been making him pancakes and muffins out of quinoa flour or banana flour, and he also really likes this new pasta we recently found that’s made out of millet. There’s a Facebook group I’m in that is great for things like that; whenever someone discovers a great ingredient for FPIES kids, they’ll share it. That’s how I found out about banana flour. Mete also loves cheese, but only crispy cheese, not raw cheese. He’ll eat bananas and watermelon and he’ll suck on a tomato, but won’t swallow it. We spend a crazy amount of money on groceries that end up on the floor.

My emotions are really wrapped up in him and how he’s eating. The days he eats well feel like a huge win. Every time he tries something and loves it I’m like, Oh, my gosh, please don’t be allergic! He gets a ten-course meal for every meal because we never know what’s going to strike his fancy.

When this all started, we felt a lot of frustration that there was so little information out there about Mete’s condition. At our lowest point, on the days when we’d be waiting around in the hospital parking lot after feeding Mete a new food, I’d feel sick to my stomach. I was so on edge. There have been stressful episodes. There was a span of a few days last year when he only ate a cracker.

But things have normalized a little bit now, and we’ve come to accept that this is our life. Mete goes to feeding therapy and we’re so glad to have professional help on our team. His gastroenterologist doesn’t believe he has  inflammatory bowel disease, at least for now. And we’re really lucky: Mete is a great kid, and apart from his feeding issues, he’s developing completely normally in every other way.

I don’t know if it’s because he’s going to school and seeing other kids eat, or because we figured out he had an allergy to sunflower, but recently, he has started showing more interest in food. Suddenly he’s grabbing more pancakes, swallowing his food instead of spitting it out, asking for cheese between meals.

It feels like a weight is being lifted off our shoulders. Nothing makes me happier. I’m like, Anything goes, buddy. Take your greasy cheese to your playroom and have at it.

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A food guide to Prague

Slow-roasted meats and fluffy dumplings are being reimagined by a new generation of Czech chefs.

For decades, Czechs saw their cuisine in one light — hearty, simple food made to keep you full, with ingredients that could be bought (or grown) during trying times. Meals were made for big families gathered on Sundays — classics like cumin-roasted pork, wild rabbit or the creamy dill sauce, koprová omáčka, were never found in fine dining establishments. But now, you’ll see them plated on elegant crystal at the Michelin-starred La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise, a restaurant that books out months in advance.

Prague’s best places to eat draw upon the many chefs, educated both here and abroad, who return to the city determined to rebrand their cuisine, combining traditional recipes and flavours with an emphasis on locally sourced produce and diverse techniques.

At Výčep, chef Jiří Hrachový and his team sit at the forefront of modern Czech gastronomy, putting their own spin on classic pub food. Thick sauces and flavour-packed broths beautifully underscore its fish, venison and rabbit dishes. Meanwhile, the revamped Štangl uses innovative ways to highlight select ingredients and let them shine, making stars of raw materials like foraged mushrooms, roasted duck and buckwheat.  

Then there’s the Ze Mě project, a farm-to-table pop-up that often includes game meat and foraged ingredients, such as blueberries, mushrooms and edible flowers. And the recently opened Šodó bistro puts emphasis on seasonal produce to elevate dishes like yeasted buns in vanilla sauce and fruit-filled dumplings.  

Despite an abundance of spots experimenting with regional cuisine in the capital, the city hasn’t lost its passion for casual, communal places to eat. The centrepiece of Prague’s food scene remains the traditional hospoda (pub) and pilsner. After all, beer is famously often cheaper than water here, and most days you’ll find locals gathered to grab a drink at Automat Matuška in Dejvice, Lokál U Bílé Kuželky with its tall glasses of Kozel beer, or at U Zlatého Tygra in the Old Town, where beer cheese dip is served alongside the brews.  

Tourists have long flocked to Prague for its storied history and atmospheric cobblestone streets, lined with rows of pastel-coloured buildings. Considered by many to be one of the Europe’s most beautiful cities, until recently the Czech capital had never attracted food-focused travellers. Now, however, the city is evolving into a destination for those seeking a rich blend of history alongside a vibrant, experimental food scene.

How to spend a day in Holešovice & Letná

Twenty years ago, Prague’s Holešovice neighbourhood was a suburb with not much going on. Today, you’ll find small boutiques, minimalist new restaurants and cafes serving speciality coffee.  

To the east, Holešovice Farmers’ Market remains a permanent fixture with fresh pastries and local produce. Start with breakfast at Café Letka , on the border of Holešovice and Letná, for seasonal dishes from across Europe; don’t skip the pastries or espresso, as they’re some of the best this side of the city. Prefer a quick bite? Try Format Coffee for coffee and cake.  

Wander over to the National Technical Museum , a tribute to Czech Republic’s little-known yet groundbreaking automotive, train and plane inventions over the last 100 years. Next door, the National Museum of Agriculture is a fun stop, with interactive exhibits on farming and gastronomy.  

Pause for a pint at Letná Beer Garden (cash only), for sweeping views of Prague and classic pilsner beer or speciality brews. Then lunch at Sandwich Rodeo , Tomáš Oujezdský’s newly opened upscale diner, which serves creative takes on classic American sandwiches, with local brews and homemade lemonades. Try the crispy fried chicken and chopped cheese.

Walk it off at the National Gallery Prague with works from Picasso and Monet, and Czech artists including art nouveau painter Alphonse Mucha. Or stroll through Stromovka Royal Game Reserve , a former royal game park with ornamental ponds and hiking trails.  

The Eatery , a Prague food scene staple, has a menu of creative Czech dishes that use locally sourced ingredients, such as wild boar with rosehip sauce, paired with small-production wine from Bohemia, Moravia as well as wider Europe. Round off the day with a seat at the counter to see the team in action.

How to spend a day in Nové Město and Staré Město

With gothic, Renaissance and baroque architecture, Prague’s historic city centre draws tourists from near and far. Nové Město and Staré Město — New Town and Old Town — have traditionally offered visitors some of Prague’s least impressive cuisine.

Nowadays, though, a growing number of upscale restaurants and cosy cafes make it a destination that food-lovers should seek out. Start at EMA Espresso Bar , a hip, minimalist affair known for its killer coffee and simple baked goods. The real gem here is the koláče, a sweet pastry made by beloved local bakery Alf & Bet , which tastes like the sort of traditional home-bake a Czech grandma might make.  

Walking is the best way to experience central Prague. From Prašná brána (one of the city’s gates) head down the winding streets to Old Town Square . Wait to see the Twelve Apostles appear on the over 600-year-old astronomical clock.  

From here, cobblestone paths lead to the beautiful Charles Bridge . For the best upscale lunch spot, head to elegant Café Louvre , a 120-year-old staple once frequented by the likes of Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein. Its small menu offers traditional tasty dishes like goulash and pork shoulder.  

Alternatively, if you’ve had your fill of Czech food, visit QQ Asian Kitchen , where chefs Nyoman Purnata and Lee Chang blend family-style pan-Asian cuisine with inventive fine dining. Or, for a lighter meal, try   Palo Verde Bistro , an innovative restaurant with plant-based dishes ranging from mushroom tortellini to crispy non-chicken burger.

Rent a paddleboat at Slovanka Boat Rentals to spend a couple of hours paddling along the Vltava River. Afterwards, follow Náplavka riverbank walkway, stopping at the renovated kobky   — former waterside dungeons that now house bars, cafes and art exhibits.  

End the day at U Kalendů , just south of the Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunić-designed Dancing House. This modern Czech restaurant puts a fresh spin on traditional food. Expect fried carp, homemade pâté and flavourful beef tartare paired with soft homemade bread and local brews.

The best spots to try Svíčková

Don’t leave Prague without trying svíčková, the meaty sauce-covered heart and soul of Czech food, and arguably the country’s most beloved dish. Most Czechs have an opinion on what (and who) makes the best svíčková and, in almost all cases, this comprises tender roasted beef sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce that’s a sweet-savoury blend of roasted carrot, parsley root, celery, onion and spices. Classic iterations are finished with a dollop of cranberry compote or cream.

1. Lokál Dlouhááá A must-try version of svíčková can be found at the modern pub-like Lokál Dlouhááá in central Prague, where the menu focuses on traditional Czech meals done well. Its svíčková highlights the vegetables in the sauce (rather than swamps them in cream, as variations of this dish often do), with pull-apart tender beef.

2. Havelská Koruna Havelská Koruna near the Old Town has a no-frills take on the classic. This self-service spot draws in both locals and visitors with its creamy sauce and generously plump dumplings.  

3. Kuchyň Wander up to Prague Castle for one of the best restaurants in the city, Kuchyň. Chef Marek Janouch serves elevated svíčková with the fluffiest dumplings. As Kuchyň’s menu is seasonal, the dish is most often found in autumn or winter, and pairs well with the venue’s tank beer.

Related Topics

• FINE CUISINE
• PEOPLE AND CULTURE
• CULTURAL TOURISM
• CITY GUIDES
• FOOD CULTURE

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What is the best milk alternative? Here's how to pick the healthiest non-dairy option

Ten years ago, the non-dairy options at your local coffee shop were likely soy or almond milk . Today, non-dairy drinkers have their pick of the litter, including the ever-popular oat milk and other options like pea, hemp, cashew and even banana milk. 

The market is growing – a food and drink analyst told The New York Times that plant-based milk will likely make up 30% of total milk sales by the end of 2026.

Many gravitate toward non-dairy milk because of an allergy or intolerance, but some prefer it because of its lesser environmental impact. Compared to dairy milk, non-dairy milk production uses less land and water and yields lower greenhouse gas emissions.

What is the healthiest milk alternative?

The healthiest milk alternative is soy milk because it’s nutritionally comparable to dairy milk, says registered dietitian Jamie Nadeau .

Dairy milk is an important source of protein , calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients. It contains 8 grams of protein per cup while soy milk contains just over 6 grams per cup. The numbers may differ based on brand, but generally, oat milk has just 3 grams per cup, almond milk has a little more than 1 gram and coconut milk has even less.

Fortified soy milk contains similar amounts of calcium and vitamin D as cow's milk and therefore counts toward your daily dairy intake , the U.S. Department of Agriculture says. It's also generally a low carbohydrate option compared to other non-dairy milks, as long as it doesn’t have a lot of added sugar, Nadeau says. Coconut milk is another low-carb option. 

“Something like oat milk or rice milk would be a little bit higher naturally in carbohydrates just because of what it’s made from,” Nadeau says.

But if you don't like the taste of soy, how do you choose another option that’s both tasty and nutritious?

If you’re just adding a little bit to your coffee, Nadeau says it’s okay to prioritize preference. But if it's your main source of calcium, compare labels and find a fortified option. Every brand is different – some contain minimal ingredients while others have added sugar and flavorings. 

“Almond milk, rice milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, they are all super, super similar. Even oat milk is pretty similar as far as what you’re getting nutritionally,” Nadeau says. “You have to look at which ones have the most sugar added.”

Calcium, magnesium, iron and more: What minerals do in your body

Is soy milk good for you?

Yes – soy is a complete protein source, meaning it contains all nine of the essential amino acids that our bodies can’t make on their own. It’s also rich in B vitamins, fiber , potassium and magnesium and has a “modest, yet clinically relevant” cholesterol-lowering effect .

Does soy milk have estrogen?

Soy contains isoflavones, a type of plant estrogen that functions similarly to human estrogen but with weaker effects . The internet is fraught with claims that these phytoestrogens cause breasts to grow or increase the risk of breast cancer. 

This is false , USA TODAY’s Fact Check team found. In theory, too much phytoestrogen could stunt breast size, not grow it. And while consuming too much isoflavone could increase the risk of hyperestrogenism, experts told USA TODAY that will likely never happen from the consumption of soy milk or almond milk. 

The American Cancer Society says there is no evidence of soy causing harm, especially with breast cancer risk. One study even suggests that eating soy foods may lower breast cancer risk among Asian women.

Discover more health tips for your daily diet: 

• Healthiest nut: Add these two daily for cognitive benefits and more
• Healthiest cereal: Inside the nutritional info on the back of the box
• Healthiest ice cream: What to know before grabbing a “healthy” ice cream
• Healthiest smoothie: Try out these ingredients in the blender
• Healthiest yogurt: This type packs the most protein

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "Is Chipotle healthy?" to "What is the healthiest rice?" to "Is V8 juice good for you?" – we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.