Traveling With a Baby (and Beyond): Real Tips from a Mom Who’s Done It

Written by Leena Tabaja. Customer Service Coordinator & proud mom of two.

Winter is a popular time to travel for many Canadians. After weeks of harsh winter weather, snow, and chilly temperatures, February often feels like the perfect time to escape for warmth, relaxation, and a mental reset before the weather gradually begins to warm up (hopefully!).

If you’re planning a trip with your baby or little kiddo, I know it can feel intimidating at first. I’ve been there. The good news is that I’ve had plenty of experience traveling with babies at different ages and stages, with both a baby and a toddler, across countries and seasons. I’m here to reassure you that it is doable, and it can even be enjoyable!

Through my experiences, I’ve learned what really works and what makes the journey smoother for everyone. The key isn’t perfection- it’s preparation and realistic expectations, and I’m here to share everything I’ve learned with you!

0–6 Months: The Infant Stage

This stage is often the easiest time to travel, but it may feel like it requires the most planning. Your baby isn’t mobile yet, maybe they sleep a lot (of course, not in all cases) and mostly just wants to be close to you.

Before you travel

·       Make sure your baby is up to date on all necessary vaccinations. During the infant stage, this matters more than ever. Your baby’s immune system is still developing, and this is a critical time to ensure proper protection.

·       Review vaccination recommendations or health guidelines for the country you are visiting, especially when traveling internationally.

Packing tip

·       Pack double of everything. Bottles, diapers, wipes, pacifiers. Items can easily get misplaced, lost, or become unusable while traveling, and having backups helps avoid unnecessary stress.

·       Don’t forget any medications your baby might need. Even if your baby is healthy, it’s always good to be prepared for any unexpected situations.

Feeding While Traveling

For bottle-feeding moms:

·       Water isn’t usually allowed through airport security, but many airlines will allow sterile water in a baby bottle if it’s clearly for infant formula.

·       Ready-to-feed option are usually allowed through airport security as well.

·       When you’re on the plane, and you need to warm milk, don’t hesitate to ask a flight attendant for a bowl of hot water.

For pumping moms:

·       I’m sure you won’t forget your pump, but even if you are primarily breastfeeding, having a manual (hand) pump can be extremely useful while traveling. I personally preferred using a hand pump on the plane. It was quiet, quick, required no setup, and was surprisingly efficient

·       Flights can disrupt normal feeding patterns; your baby may be extra sleepy, feed less efficiently, or you may want to express milk to relieve fullness or prepare bottles ahead of time.

A pacifier during takeoff and landing can be a lifesaver for ear pressure. If your baby does not use one, bottle-feeding during those times works just as well.

One of the biggest game-changers for me was contacting the airline in advance to reserve a front-row seat equipped with a bassinet. These seats typically offer additional legroom, as well as a wall-mounted bassinet that provides a safe and comfortable place for your baby to sleep. Having this option made a significant difference on long flights, allowing my baby to rest peacefully for much of the journey.

6–18 Months: Crawling & Early Walking

This stage comes with increased movement and curiosity, which can make long flights feel more challenging as babies become more aware of their surroundings.

Sleep and Comfort

·       At this age, babies still don’t need their own seat and sit with you on your lap on the plane, so planning for comfort- for both of you- is important. If your baby is still small enough, they may be able to use the plane bassinet. If not, you may find swaddling them in a wrap incredibly helpful for getting them to sleep on the plane.

·       For bigger babies who can’t be swaddled, keeping them comfortable with something familiar is key. A familiar blanket, carrier naps, gentle rocking, or walking up and down the aisle can help them settle.

Keeping Them Occupied

Snacks, toys, and simple activities are especially important at this stage. As babies become more engaged with their environment, having a small rotation of familiar toys and age-appropriate activities can help keep them stay content and comfortably occupied. I also found it helpful to walk them up and down the aisles to satisfy their exploration and movement urges- and a good way to pass the time.

Toddler Stage (18–24 Months)

Toddlers are curious, active, and increasingly opinionated- and travel often reflects that. Keeping them engaged and helping them feel involved can make all the difference

               A Little Responsibility

Giving them small “jobs,” such as being in charge of their bottle or a favorite toy, helps keep them engaged and focused. Allowing them to walk the aisles and safely explore their surroundings when appropriate can also help pass the time. At the same time, familiarity and routine become especially important at this stage.

               Stay on Routine

·       I try to keep meal and nap times as close to normal as possible, even while traveling. Sometimes, by a happy accident, our flights have ended up scheduled close to my toddler’s usual bedtime- which is one of the biggest lifesavers at this stage. If you’re able to plan ahead and make this happen, it can make a huge difference.

·       However, that’s not always possible, so making the experience feel familiar and fun, can provide reassurance in a new environment. It can be something so simple as bringing along favorite toys, comfort items, or a well-loved stuffed animal.

I also found that packing a colorful bento-style snack box with familiar foods, and incorporating simple games like eye-spy, can make the journey feel playful, engaging, and more enjoyable for my toddler.

Young Children (2–4 Years)

This stage will be very different than the rest as at this age, kids have their own seat, which can either be a welcomed improvement, or a new challenge. With little ones now bigger and more aware, sleep comfort becomes a key factor, as it can be harder for them to fully relax and get comfortable in their seat, especially on longer flights. Then, during wake hours, snacks and activities will be your best allies.

               Sleep and Comfort

·       Their comfort is going to be a focus at this stage. To ensure my kiddos were able to get settled in their seat and rest properly, I used an inflatable travel pillow/bed that fit between their seat and the seat in front, allowing them to stretch their legs and sleep comfortably.

·       Comfort can also mean what they’re wearing. Soft, breathable layers that are easy to remove, like zip-up sweats, were always my go-to for flights.

Snacks and Activities

Slime and playdough could keep my kiddos busy for hours- but anything that captures your child’s interest, like coloring books, drawing pads, or other hands-on activities, can keep kids occupied for surprisingly long stretches. If necessary, pre-downloading their favorite movie or shows on a tablet is incredibly helpful, especially if those options aren’t available in-flight.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with babies and young kids isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about being prepared, staying flexible, and being kind to yourself. Every trip teaches you something new, and with each one, it becomes a little easier.

If you are traveling this winter to escape the cold, trust yourself. You know your child better than anyone. With thoughtful preparation, travel can become a beautiful and memorable part of family life.

    Leena Tabaja 
     Customer Service Coordinator
     & proud mom of two