Travelling with a baby feels like preparing for a tiny expedition. The first time we travelled with our little one, I remember standing in the middle of the airport with a stroller that wouldnโt fold, a crying baby and a carry-on bursting at the seams. I was that parent. Since then, Iโve learned a lot (mainly through trial and error) about whatโs actually useful and what you can leave behind.
If youโre gearing up for your first trip with your babyโor just looking for ways to make it smootherโhereโs whatโs saved me time, stress and a whole lot of tears.
A Diaper Bag That Saves Your Sanity
Before I had kids, I thought a diaper bag was justโฆ a bag. But when youโre out and about, it becomes your entire lifeline. I tried a shoulder bag on our first trip and by the end of the day, my back was begging for mercy. A proper backpack-style diaper bag changed everything. Itโs got compartments for nappies, wipes, snacks and even that emergency teething ring you swore you wouldnโt need (spoiler: you will).
The best part? Itโs hands-free. I could wear it while pushing a stroller, holding a coffee and wrangling a toddlerโmultitasking level unlocked.
Stroller Struggles (and Solutions)
Thereโs nothing like struggling to fold a full-sized stroller in the middle of a busy airport to humble you. After that disaster, I swapped our bulky pram for something lightweight and compact. Itโs made for navigating airports, cobblestone streets and cafรฉ aisles so much easier.
Pro tip: Check if your stroller can be gate-checked. Having it with you until the plane boards is worth its weight in goldโespecially when your little one just needs to move around.
Feeding On the Go
Thereโs a special kind of chaos that comes with trying to feed a hungry baby while travelling. On one trip, I found myself warming a bottle in a hotel sink at 2 AM because I hadnโt packed a bottle warmer. Lesson learned. Now, I always pack something portable and easy to use for warming bottlesโitโs small, quick and means Iโm not at the mercy of wherever weโre staying.
For mums who pump, a compact and cordless pump can make all the difference. Iโve pumped in cars, airport lounges and even on a park bench, thanks to a hands-free option that doesnโt tie me to a power outlet. Itโs not glamorous but it gets the job doneโand keeps your schedule on track.
Power Struggles (Literally)
If youโve ever had your phone die mid-nap tracker, you know the panic. A reliable power bank or travel charger is a must. Itโs not just for your phoneโitโs also perfect for keeping baby monitors, sound machines or even bottle warmers powered up when youโre on the move.
Sleep? Maybe?
Getting a baby to sleep in a new environment isโฆ an adventure. On our first trip, I forgot to pack a white noise machine and let me tell you, those thin hotel walls did not help. Now, I always pack something portable that drowns out the unfamiliar sounds and helps recreate their usual sleep environment.
Another tip? Bring a familiar blanket or swaddle. Itโs like bringing a little piece of home with you and it works wonders for calming overtired babies in unfamiliar places.
Packing Smarter, Not Harder
When it comes to packing, less is moreโbut only if youโve got the right essentials. My checklist these days looks like this:
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Diaper bag essentials: Nappies, wipes, a couple of changes of clothes (for both of us) and some snacks.
- Compact travel gear: A lightweight stroller and a baby carrier are non-negotiable. Sometimes you just need options.
- Feeding supplies: A portable bottle warmer, a compact breast pump if needed and enough bottles or formula to cover delays.
- Entertainment: A few small toys and books go a long way during flights or long drives.
- Emergency extras: Spare dummies, ziplock bags for messes and a mini first-aid kit.
The Bottom Line
Travelling with a baby might not be the easiest thing in the world but itโs always an adventure. From sleepless nights to unexpected laughs (like the time my baby giggled uncontrollably through an entire security line), these trips create memories youโll treasure forever.
So pack smart, keep your cool and donโt forget: no matter what you forget, you can probably buy it when you get there.
Safe travels and hereโs to making memoriesโone packed bag at a time.
