Traveling with a baby or toddler can feel like preparing for a mini-expedition—but with a little planning and the right bits packed, your trip can be smooth, memorable, and enjoyable. Here are some helpful top tips!
Preparation Travel Tips for families:
Before you zip up your suitcase, consider these travel tips for takeoff:
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- Check with your airline ahead of time about food availability and warming facilities they have.
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- Pack smart with a nappy bag that has a waterproof lining and a comfy shoulder strap.
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- Expect the unexpected: carry extra outfits for your little one and one for yourself in your carry-on.
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- Prevent leaks by sealing all medicines and toiletries in resealable plastic bags.
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- Keep outfits organized: pack each of your little ones clothing sets in individual zip bags so you won’t be digging for tiny socks mid-flight.
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- A clip-on reading light is your best friend if your little one falls asleep on you mid-flight and you want to catch up on a book without waking your little one.
The Ultimate Aeroplane family Packing List:
Here’s a checklist for what to bring onboard:
Essentials:
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- Buggy (often allowed right to the aircraft steps)
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- Car seat (even if you didn’t book a separate seat for your little one —it can usually be checked in at the gate)
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- Sling or baby carrier (helpful post-landing )
Changing Supplies:
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- Nappies (enough for the flight plus 3–6 extra)
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- Nappy cream (check airline regulations)
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- Wet wipes & disposable changing mat
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- changes of clothes for your little one (consider sleep suits)
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- Spare clothing for you
Feeding supplies:
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- Bottles (enough for the flight, plus 2–3 extras)
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- Powdered formula or pre-mixed bottles (Pre-measured powder into plastic containers)
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- Healthy snacks for you all (‘forbidden’ snacks for emergencies)
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- Baby food (twice as much as you think you will need)
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- No spill snack containers
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- Sippy cup & baby utensils
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- Bibs (wipe-clean or disposable)
Baby Comfort & Health:
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- Baby Medications you might need, plus baby ibuprofen (in case of sore ears)
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- Digital thermometer (armpit type – small and discreet)
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- Favorite blanket or stuffed toy
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- 1–2 favourite toys/books, plus 2–6 new small toys
Sleep during the plane journey for children:
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- It can be helpful if your jouney to the airport is around your little ones nap time– it allows them to have a nap on the go.
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- Be sure that your little one is having a drink (to help their ears) at take-off and landing for the pressure in your little ones ears.
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- Follow your little ones lead on the plane for sleep. If your little ones nodding off right after take off then just go with it. If this doesn’t happen, you can always try and encourage your little one to take a nap if its around their nap time.
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- However, there are no rules for naps on a plane so if you need to allow your little one to fall asleep on you, do it.
Once you have arrived at your destination:
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- We tend to follow the principle of an hour a day for the body to adjust to a new time zone. For example: for cancun- 5-6days.
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- Try not to plan to many activities, especially the first few days, just give eveybody’s body time to adjust.
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- Make sure that your little ones sleeping in an nice dark room, consider taking a Gro blind with you.
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- Try to give your little one their own space as best as you can. If you only have one room put a piece of furniture or hang a sheet/ open cupboard between you little ones bed and your bed. White noise can also be super helpful!
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- For bedtime, follow the same routine as you follow at home and then lay your little one down in their cot awake and move away from them.
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- It is helpful to stay consistent the first few days with your little ones sleep expectation, it should help with a smooth rest of the trip.
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- It is ok for one nap a day to be on the go, but aim for the others (if there are others) to be in the cot.
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- If it’s a bad nap day for your little one, go with an earlier bedtime. (6pm isn’t to early).
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- Try to plan meals and activites around the new time zone as well.
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- It can also help your littles body adjust if you get 1-2 hours of daylight and fresh air in the afternoon.
Traveling with a baby or child can come with its challenges, but with the right preparation and mindset, it’s absolutely doable and enjoyable! Happy holidays!
If your little one is struggling with sleep after travelling, please do get in touch.
