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.
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 to Handle Long Haul Flights with Babies and Toddlers
I used to think long-haul flights were a test of endurance reserved for ultra-marathoners and people who willingly sign up for reality survival shows. Then I had a baby, and I realized those contestants have it easy. My son has been to 17 countries by the time he turned two and a half, and we’ve…
-
How to Handle Potty Training While Traveling
Potty training is the gift of parenthood I never really thought about until it was time to start. And wow, what a gift it is! Potty training at home is one thing. Potty training while traveling? That’s an entirely different challenge. But after traveling extensively with my toddler while in the middle of potty training,…
-
Is the Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller Worth Buying? (Updated in 2025)
I’m on a quest, friends, to find the best travel stroller that fits in an overhead bin. Though there are plenty on the market, my criteria are high. It needs to fold easily, be comfortable for my son, be sturdy, and have great storage. Ergobaby recently sent me the Metro+ Deluxe stroller to test and…
-
How to Travel in Destinations that Aren’t Stroller Friendly
Over the 2.5 years that I’ve traveled with my son and shared about it on our social media, I’ve often heard the pushback that some of our most loved, most baby-friendly destinations, aren’t stroller-friendly. It’s true, from the nonexistent sidewalks in Bali and much of Thailand to the cobblestone of Europe or sandy and rocky…
-
What to Expect When Visiting Hot Destinations with a Baby (and How to Keep Cool)
There’s something magical about hot destinations, especially when it’s the middle of winter where you live. Palm trees sway, the air smells like sunscreen and mangoes, and everything feels like a postcard… until you realize you’re sweating through your shirt, your baby is crying, and you’re starting to question every life decision that brought you…
-
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
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…
-
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 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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Cruise with Your Baby – A Mom’s Ultimate Guide
Prior to becoming a mom, there’s a lot of vacations I never thought would be for me, particularly a cruise. Last year I was invited on a Holland America cruise to Alaska and for the first time, it actually sounded kind of nice. There would be no logistics, we would not have to pack up…
-
Can You Take a Baby on Safari? Everything To Know!
Can you take a baby on safari? Since my partner and I met in Namibia, and I’ve been guiding there for years as a women’s adventure and photography guide, it was been a dream of mine to take our son back to the place we met. My dream came true when we took him to…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
How to Fly with Milk for Toddlers
Early on in our feeding journey, it became clear we weren’t going to be able to go the breastfeeding route, which was disappointing since it seemed like the easiest way to fly with a baby or toddler. So for those who give their toddlers milk not from the breast, whether it’s breast milk from a…
-
Is the Guava Lotus Travel Bassinet and Crib Worth It? (Not Sponsored Review!)
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 Lotus Bassinet and…
-
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…
-
Is the Slumberpod Worth It? My Honest Thoughts After 2 Years
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 sleep on vacation,…
-
How to Fly with a Hiking Baby Carrier
It seems like every time we go on a trip, 3/4 of what we bring is for our little guy. I’m always on a quest to cut that down, and one of the ways is to bring a hiking baby carrier/backpack rather than a stroller. A hiking baby backpack is so much nicer than a…
-
At What Age Can Children Fly For Free?
You may have heard that up until a certain age, children can fly for free on your lap. Every airline I’ve encountered after over 100 flights and 12 passport stamps for my toddler allows babies to fly for free domestically as a lap infant, BUT there are some caveats. Sometimes lap infants can still cost…
-
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…
-
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 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…
-
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,…
-
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…
-
Flying JetBlue with a Baby – Our Experience and Review
Is JetBlue a good airline to fly as a family with young kids, particularly babies or lap infants? I have a well-traveled one and a half year old, having taken him on over 100 flights now. JetBlue was the first airline we ever flew with him on a red-eye from Reno Tahoe to New York,…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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 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…
-
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 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…
-
How to Travel with a Car Seat
So you’ve booked your dream vacation, and now you’re realizing that there’s a lot of stuff a baby (or toddler) needs in order to make traveling possible, including a car seat. We’ve been on over 50 flights with our one-year-old including four international trips, and have brought a car seat on most of them. It…
-
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…
-
25 Tips for Flying with a Toddler
With low inhibitions, short attention spans, and big energy, toddlers might be the wildest travel buddies of all. As a mom of two who has flown multiple times with my infant and toddler, I’m here to tell you that you can survive (and enjoy!) the flight with your little ones. This is everything to know…
-
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…
-
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 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…
-
How to Bathe Your Baby While Traveling
If you’re planning out a trip and scratching your head over how to fit everything on your packing list into limited luggage or trunk space, I feel you. I’ve been there myself. Many times. It seems like the smaller a child is, the more things they need. That can include bath time, although after dozens…
-
How to do Baby-led Weaning While Traveling
When I was pregnant, Moon and Rue, the Tiktok sensation, was sharing her baby-led weaning journey and it convinced me to give it a try. Watching her baby explore food and self feed whole strawberries and even chicken legs as a six month old showed me that it’s possible – but what if you’re traveling?…
-
The Ultimate Baby Travel Packing List
It’s been over a year of travels with over 100 flights to 10 countries for my baby, and over the course of all of that, we’ve got the packing list down to a science. Traveling with a baby can mean packing more than you ever have in your life, but by being tactical about what…
-
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,…
-
Flying Emirates with a Baby – Everything to Know
Emirates might be one of the best airlines in the world when it comes to comfort and service. They’re one of those airlines where economy doesn’t seem so bad, and business class feels like being a princess for a few hours. But how is it with a baby? Over the course of 33 hours, flying…
