Top 10 Tips for Traveling with a Baby (and Staying Sane!)

After completing a successful holiday to Lanzarote with four children, including a 5-month-old ,
I thought I’d share some of the practical tips that helped make our trip smoother and far less stressful. If you’re planning a family getaway, these will hopefully make life easier for you too!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through my recommendations. I only share products I truly find helpful and have used myself.

1. Plan Around Baby’s Routine

Where possible, book flights or start long drives around your baby’s usual nap or bedtime. A well-rested baby tends to be happier and more settled on the move.

2. Pack Smart and Light

Bring only the essentials: nappies, wipes, extra outfits, snacks (if age-appropriate), bottles, and a small first-aid kit. Using packing cubes or zip-lock bags makes it easy to keep everything organised and accessible.

3. Bring a Baby Carrier and Lightweight Stroller

A lightweight travel stroller is invaluable for airports and city exploring. Make sure it folds easily and fits into overhead lockers if you’re flying. A baby carrier is also a lifesaver for crowded places or when you need hands-free convenience.

4. Feed During Take-Off and Landing

If you’re flying, feeding your baby (breast or bottle) or offering a dummy during take-off and landing helps to ease ear pressure.

5. Keep Essentials Within Easy Reach

Unexpected messes happen! Keep nappies, wipes, spare clothes, and snacks in a bag you can grab quickly rather than buried under luggage.

6. Allow Extra Time for Everything

Travel with a baby takes longer – from airport security to nappy changes. Arriving early and giving yourself plenty of buffer time makes the whole experience less stressful.

7. Pack Familiar Comfort Items

A favorite blanket, soft toy, or sleep sack with a familiar scent can help soothe your baby and make unfamiliar environments feel safer.

8. Dress in Layers

Planes and new climates can be unpredictable. Dressing your baby in breathable layers makes it easy to adjust for different temperatures.

9. Book Baby-Friendly Accommodation

Choose hotels or rentals that provide cribs, highchairs, or a small kitchen area. Having facilities for feeding and sleeping makes all the difference.

10. Expect the Unexpected and Build in Buffer Time

Things won’t always go to plan: naps may be missed, flights delayed, or feeds take longer than expected. Factor in downtime, be flexible, and remember that a relaxed parent makes for a calmer baby.

Helpful Tip: Travel Friendly Products That Made Life Easier

Two products that were absolute lifesavers for us on the go were self-sterilising bottles (no need for a separate steriliser) and the Rapid Cool flask (cools boiled water safely in minutes). Both are compact, travel-friendly, and perfect for reducing the stress of bottle feeds while away from home

Get the Mam self sterilising bottles here

Get the Nubi Rapid Cool here

For a stroller, the Silver Cross Clic was brilliant – lightweight, easy to fold, and perfect for city streets and airports. 

Get the Silver Cross Clic here

Travelling with little ones isn’t always easy, but with a bit of planning and flexibility, it can be an amazing adventure for the whole family. These tips really helped us enjoy our Lanzarote trip – I hope they help you too!