9 practical tips for travelling with a baby
Travelling with a baby can instil fear in even the toughest of parents. From lugging all of the stuff you need to managing overtiredness, it can be a stressful time for everyone.
But there are some things you can do to make travelling with a baby easier, so you can start making those family memories sooner rather than later.
1. Book travel times when kids are most rested
Be picky when booking flights and working out travel times. An unfamiliar environment can be overwhelming for a little one. If possible, try and book travel times when your baby is most rested, and hopefully, they will sleep right through.
2. Keep essentials in reach
Basically this is just a nappy bag but with a few more items. The key to this bag is that you only use it to carry the essentials you need for common disasters so that it’s easy to carry. If the bag is too bulky or heavy, because you’ve got way too much stuff, it’s going to be more of a burden than the bag in shining armour you’d hoped for.
3. Rent baby items
This a big one. Do not lug strollers, baby carriers and other bulky items on holidays with you. Just don’t do it to yourself. A great solution is to hire your baby items at your destination. Tree Hut Villiage is an Australian parent-to-parent community that provides a secure and reliable way for parents to hire baby equipment. From prams and baby carriers to travel cots, there’s a massive range of items available to rent from other parents.
Do consider safety when renting items, especially car seats – CHOICE has some guidelines on what to check for when using a pre-loved car seat. (You can also read baby travel product reviews from other parents before renting.)
4. Pack light
Even without children, it can be hard to pack light when going on holiday but you will be so glad you did. Make a list of items that are essential but also think about things you could probably do without or at least should have access to at your destination, like nappies, baby wipes, and somewhere to do your washing so you don’t need to pack too many outfits.
5. Research the airline before booking tickets
All airlines have different rules when it comes to baggage and extra things you might need when travelling with a baby, like a bassinet. Phone the airline to make sure there aren’t any surprises on the day. A great tip when travelling with kids is to have one parent board earlier and set up the bassinet, so it’s ready to go once your baby is on board.
Read more tips on flying with a baby.
6. Plan extra travel time
You know how sometimes it can take forever to get out the door just to go somewhere simple like the park? Well, the plane won’t wait for you because your baby pooped in the Uber – selfish, we know! For peace of mind, start getting everyone ready a few hours before you have to leave.
7. White noise
As hard as you may try, there are some things you just can’t plan for – like noise outside your Airbnb. If your baby is okay with it, white noise can be a great way to drown out unexpected sounds, so she can still get a full night sleep. Pack a travel soother.
8. Keep the travel time to a minimum
No one likes to be sitting in the same spot for hours on end. Obviously, if you are on a plane, there’s not much you can about that. But if you are driving, do some research and plan plenty of rest stops in safe and well-lit areas for your baby to have some time out of her car seat. It might take you longer, but it will be worth it.
Read 10 more tips on road-tripping with a baby or toddler.
9. Be flexible
Probably the most important tip for travelling with a baby is to be flexible. The grandest of plans can turn to mush for no reason at all, and that’s okay. Hindsight is a beautiful thing, and one day you will laugh about the vomit at the airport or the poo explosion on the freeway – promise!
Founded by Eva Wintersberger, Tree Hut Village-a peer to peer platform for renting and lending baby equipment. Since its inception in 2017, the website has made it possible for thousands of parents to become mini-entrepreneurs using their own baby gear. Others benefited from being able to rent locally for an upcoming family trip or to try a big-ticket item before committing to a purchase. Tree Hut Village has also recently expanded to New Zealand.
For more information, visit the website or follow Tree Hut Village on Instagram.
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