Baby & Toddler Travel Tips

We’ve been on many journeys, both crossing the world in a plane and crossing a state in a car, and have all of our tips after hundreds of flights and dozens of passport stamps. Here’s everything to know about traveling with a baby or toddler.

flying with a baby in business class

Here’s Every Baby + Toddler Travel Post

Whether it’s tips for making long flights doable or how to reserve an airline bassinet, these are all of our top travel tips for making the journey more enjoyable for the whole family.

How We Make Room in the Budget for Family Travel
Travel Tips and Hacks

How We Make Room in the Budget for Family Travel

You know the drill. A photo of some jaw-dropping destination pops up on Instagram—pristine beaches, dramatic mountains, or a hotel room that looks like it was designed by a collaboration of Marie Kondo and Beyoncé. And then you look up the price and can’t believe people spend that on a hotel. “Must be nice,” you…

Flying Business Class with a Toddler in Their Own Seat: How to Make It Work
Toddler Travel Tips | Travel Tips and Hacks

Flying Business Class with a Toddler in Their Own Seat: How to Make It Work

So you’ve snagged a business class seat for yourself and your toddler, and while the extra room will be awesome, there’s a new issue – how to keep them satisfied with staying in their own seat when there will be much more space between you. I was worried about this for our most recent flight…

Flying Alone with Two Toddlers
Toddler Travel Tips | Travel Tips and Hacks

How to Survive International Flights with a Two-Year-Old Who Has Their Own Seat

(Or, How to Wrestle a Toddler at 35,000 Feet and Somehow Still Arrive in One Piece). Now that your kid is 2+ and the lap infant days are behind you, there are some new rules to play by. Traveling internationally with a toddler who has their own seat is like embarking on an epic quest….

jsx review
Airline Reviews | Travel Tips and Hacks

JSX Airline Review: Private Terminal Bliss (Mostly) with Little Kids

As a mom who flies solo with a toddler from time to time, the idea of sidestepping the typical airport maze, TSA lines, and last-minute sprints to the gate is beyond unappealing. Editor's Rating: 4.5 As a mom who flies solo with a toddler from time to time, the idea of sidestepping the typical airport…

flying qatar airlines with a toddler
Baby Travel Tips | Toddler Travel Tips

International Travel with a One Year Old Tips and Tricks

When I first started flying with my baby, I mostly had a sleepy guy who didn’t take up much space. As my kiddo grew into a squirmy one-year-old, we didn’t stop taking him on trips, but had to learn to juggle more on travel days. Long flights and layovers are about survival so you can…

ergobaby metro stroller
Baby Travel Tips | Toddler Travel Tips

Cruising Holland America with a Baby – My Honest Review

There are some things in life that just get better with experience. Like riding a bike, playing Scrabble, and the realization that not cooking on vacation is non-negotiable. I’m officially a “will not lift a spatula” person when on vacation, especially with a toddler in tow. So when the chance to cruise with Holland America…

when can babies fly for free
Baby Travel Tips | Toddler Travel Tips | Travel Tips and Hacks

How to Survive Long Layovers with a Baby or Toddler

Long layovers can already be a drag, but add a baby to the mix, and they can feel like an eternity. I’ve been there, pacing up and down airport terminals, desperately trying to keep my toddler entertained. He’s well traveled, having been on over 100 flights and visiting 15 countries by his second birthday. So…

baby wearing in japan
Baby Travel Tips | Toddler Travel Tips | Travel Tips and Hacks

Navigating Public Transportation with a Baby: Strollers, Carriers, and More

When it comes to exploring the bustling cities of Europe and the seamless transit systems of Japan with a baby in tow, let me tell you—it’s an adventure! I’ve been through it, and I’ve got some tips and tricks to share. Packing light, booking seats ahead of time, staying connected, and navigating the quirks of…

Mexico with a baby
Baby Travel Tips | Toddler Travel Tips | Travel Tips and Hacks

How To Baby-Proof Your Hotel Room or Vacation Rental

Traveling with a baby is an exciting adventure, but ensuring their safety in a new environment can be a bit nerve-wracking. From curious crawlers to adventurous toddlers, a hotel room or vacation rental can present all sorts of potential hazards. My 2 year old son has 15 passport stamps and has been on dozens of…

cosco scenera car seat
Toddler Travel Tips | Travel Tips and Hacks

15 Screen-Free Ways To Entertain a Toddler on a Flight

Long flights with a toddler can be challenging, especially when screens aren’t an option. Trust me, I’m not high and mighty about screen time; it’s just that my toddler refuses to wear headphones, making screens impractical for us. So after over more than 100 flights with my 22 month old, several of which were over…

Flying with a toddler
Toddler Travel Tips | Travel Tips and Hacks

The BEST Airplane Snacks for Toddlers: 20 Tried and True Favorites

Traveling with a toddler requires a well-stocked arsenal of snacks to keep them both entertained and satisfied. After over 100 flights with my almost two-year-old, I’ve learned which snacks work best to keep my toddler happy and my sanity intact. Here’s a list of 20 of our favorite no-mess and no refrigeration airplane snacks, complete…

when can babies fly for free
Toddler Travel Tips | Travel Tips and Hacks

Flying with a One-Year-Old: Tips for Long-Haul Flights

Flying with a one-year-old can feel daunting, especially on long-haul flights. The confined space, potential for crankiness, and disruption to routine all contribute to the challenge. However, with the right preparation and mindset, it’s entirely possible to make the journey smoother for both you and your little one. Drawing from my own experiences of over…

thailand with a baby
Baby Travel Tips | Toddler Travel Tips | Travel Tips and Hacks

How to Find the Perfect Travel Agent for Family Trips

Traveling with children is a unique and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. Will the hotel be kid-friendly? Will it be safe for everyone? Will there be enough to do and eat? As a parent who has navigated the globe with a toddler, from African safaris to…

guava lotus bassinet
Travel Tips and Hacks | Baby Essentials | Our Favorite Products | Travel Essentials

Is the Guava Lotus Travel Bassinet and Crib Worth It? (Not Sponsored Review!)

Editor's Rating: 5 Editor's Rating: 5 When I was building out my baby registry I came across all kinds of premium products and wondered if any of them were truly worth it. Like the SNOO Smart Sleeper, Artipoppe baby carrier, anything by Nuna or UPPA Baby, Willow wearable breast pumps, and of course, the Guava…

flying sas with a baby toddler
Airline Reviews | Travel Tips and Hacks

Flying SAS with a Baby or Toddler – Our Experience and Review

Traveling with a toddler is considered a daunting experience for many parents, especially when it involves long flights. I’m here to tell you after over 100 flights with my 20 month old, it really doesn’t have to be. My recent journey with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) on our trip to Norway with our toddler was a…

slumberpod review
Travel Tips and Hacks | Baby Essentials | Our Favorite Products

Is the Slumberpod Worth It? My Honest Thoughts After 2 Years

Editor's Rating: 4.5 Editor's Rating: 4.5 Is the Slumberpod worth it? You’ve likely seen it on social media and wondered, is this actually the godsend they say it is? After some deliberation, I bought one and tested it so that we an answer the question once and for all: Will it help everyone get better…

flying with a baby in business class
Baby Travel Tips | Toddler Travel Tips | Travel Tips and Hacks

How We Use Points to Fly Business Class as a Family

Today, I’m diving into a topic near and dear to my heart: traveling in style for less. But this isn’t budget travel – we’re talking about soaring through the skies in style with the whole family, courtesy of credit card points. Over the past two years we’ve flown in business class with seven airlines to…

cosco scenera car seat
Baby Travel Tips | Toddler Travel Tips | Travel Tips and Hacks

CARES Harness vs. Car Seat – Which is Better for Flying?

My toddler recently crossed the threshold of what I’d consider a possible lap infant. He’s big for his age, squirrelly, and generally better off in his own seat. At 21 months old, he’s been on over 100 flights from an hour in length to over 18 hours in one go. I’ve come across just about…

flying southwest with a baby
Travel Tips and Hacks | Airline Reviews

Flying Southwest Airlines with a Baby – Everything to Know

As my son turns 13 months old, he’s been on over 60 flights (including connections), many of them operated by Southwest. There are many reasons to love Southwest – the free checked baggage, the affordable flights, and for us, they’re sometimes the only airline to fly direct routes to some of our favorite destinations. There…

best places to travel with a baby
Baby Travel Tips | Destinations | Toddler Travel Tips | Travel Tips and Hacks

The 10 BEST Places In the World to Travel with a Baby

Now that my son is 19 months old with the ink drying on his 11th passport stamp, it finally feels like time to put together our list of the best places we’ve traveled with him, starting with his first international trip at 5 months old. Felix has been to four continents now (North America, Africa,…

cathay pacific with a baby
Airline Reviews | Travel Tips and Hacks

Flying Cathay Pacific with a Baby – My Experience and Review

So, you’re gearing up for a trip with your little one and wondering how Cathay Pacific handles flying with babies? Let me walk you through it! We recently flew from Bangkok to Los Angeles for a combined 15 hours with my 18 month old as a lap infant and overall, it was a great experience…

joolz aer travel stroller
Baby Travel Tips | Strollers | Toddler Travel Tips | Travel Tips and Hacks

Gate Checking Strollers – Everything to Know!

As a mom who has flown over 100 times now with my toddler, I’ve traveled with a stroller my fair share. When it comes to gate checking strollers, what are the different airline policies, and what are the things to know about getting through the airport with them? Based on my firsthand knowledge and friend’s…

flying united with a baby
Baby Travel Tips | Travel Tips and Hacks

Airplane Bassinets – Everything to Know and How to Reserve One

Flying with a baby can be both exciting and challenging. As a mother who has navigated the skies with my little one many, many times (over 100 while he is still a ‘lap infant’), I understand all too well the importance of finding ways to make the journey smoother. One of the lifesavers in the…

should a baby have their own seat on an airplane
Airline Reviews | Travel Tips and Hacks

Flying on Delta Airlines with a Baby – Our Experience and Review

I have flown with just about every major US airline with my 1.5 year old son. From JetBlue, to Southwest, United, and American, I have to say that Delta has been one of the best (domestic) experiences. Each airline is a little bit different with what their infant and child policies are. So make sure…

travel with a car seat
Airline Reviews | Travel Tips and Hacks

Flying on Alaska Airlines with a Baby – Our Experience and Review

Flying Alaska Airlines with a baby isn’t so different from other major US carriers. We’re a well traveled family, with my son flying over 100 times now by a year and a half old, including on Alaska Airlines up to Vancouver via Seattle. Here’s everything to know about their infant and baggage policies before you…

Flying with a toddler
Travel Tips and Hacks | Airline Reviews

Flying with a Baby on American Airlines – Our Experience

At this stage of traveling as a family, my 17 month old has been on over 100 flights (including short jaunts and layovers). Over the course of that time, we’ve flown every major US airline, including American Airlines. How was it flying them with a baby? American doesn’t have as many family friendly policies as…

flying with a baby tips
Travel Tips and Hacks | Baby Travel Tips

How to Survive Flying with a Baby (50 Tips!)

As a frequent traveler who had been to over 60 countries before giving birth, I wanted my baby to fit into my travel lifestyle. But would it be a terrible experience? I’ve heard babies crying on flights and I’ve watched parents struggle through the airport with a mountain of things. I didn’t want to suffer…

flying with a baby in business class
Travel Tips and Hacks | Baby Travel Tips

Flying BUSINESS CLASS with a Baby – The Pros, Cons, and What to Know!

What’s it like flying business class with a baby? Do people give you the side eye, and is it worth the expense of bringing them since they don’t fly free internationally? Here’s everything I learned flying with my baby from Los Angeles to Japan, San Francisco to Singapore, and all the way home from Cape…

Best Baby Carriers for Travel
Our Favorite Products | Baby Essentials | Travel Tips and Hacks

20 BEST Baby Carriers for Travel in 2024

Baby carriers are compact, cuddly, and practical. They’re a new parent’s greatest fashion statement and a great way to keep babies close on away-from-home adventures without the bulk of a stroller. If you’re shopping for a new baby carrier for travel, we’ve done all the research for you and rounded up the 20 best picks…

babyquip review
Travel Tips and Hacks | Packing Lists + Hacks

Is BabyQuip Rental Worth Using? I Tried it to Find Out

If you’re a traveling parent, you may have heard of BabyQuip through the grapevine. It’s like the Airbnb of baby gear, allowing parents to rent out the strollers, cribs, SNOOs, and other baby items to traveling families. On paper it sounds great. Not having to buy travel versions of your baby items, lugging them all…

Baby Beach Essentials
Packing Lists + Hacks | Baby Essentials | Baby Travel Tips | Our Favorite Products | Travel Tips and Hacks

30 Baby Beach Essentials: The Ultimate Mom-Approved Packing List

Once you’ve packed your beach bag, trekked to that perfect spot in the sand with your baby, and unloaded all your gear, there’s nothing worse than realizing you forgot to bring that one must-have item for your infant’s day. From a mom of two who loves to visit the shore with our young family, here’s…

Flying Alone with Two Toddlers
Travel Tips and Hacks | Toddler Travel Tips

Flying Alone with Two Babies: 20 Tips for Survival

Flying alone with two toddlers can be scary, and managing everything on travel day can seem impossible. I’ve learned from experience that with the right preparation — and realistic expectations — flying by myself with our one-year-old and three-year-old can be a fun day for all of us. Besides coming to the airport with a…

flying on qatar airways with a baby
Travel Tips and Hacks | Airline Reviews

Flying Qatar Airlines with a Baby – Our Firsthand Experience

What’s it like flying Qatar Airways with a baby? We recently had the opportunity to find out on a very long 9-hour flight followed by a 15.5 hour flight when we made our way back home from Africa. Qatar Airways aims to be one of the world’s premier airlines. Does it live up to that,…

travel with a car seat
Travel Tips and Hacks | Baby Travel Tips

Should You Get Your Baby Their Own Seat on an Airplane?

We all know the deal – babies can fly free domestically (and for 10% of the adult fare internationally), until they’re two years old. It sounds like a golden opportunity to milk those free flights for as long as possible, right? Well, maybe not. My one year old has now been on over 70 flights…

Best Baby Travel Toys
Our Favorite Products | Baby Essentials | Toys | Travel Tips and Hacks

The 50 Best Baby Travel Toys — All Tested from Experience!

Whenever we travel with our two young kids, toys are always at the top of our packing list. We’ve even traveled cross-country with a suitcase designated for toys alone — so we’ve learned which ones are winners, and which ones aren’t worth the extra space. Read on for our complete list of the 50 best…