Traveling with an infant can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. With practical advice and real-world tips, you’ll feel more prepared to manage it all with confidence.
From planning and packing to navigating airports and long drives, traveling with a baby is no small task, but it doesn’t have to be overly stressful. In this guide, we’ll cover baby travel tips for every step of the journey, plus helpful travel accessories to keep you organized, comfortable, and ready for whatever comes your way.
Shop Boppy’s baby travel essentials for comfort, support, and ease wherever you go.
Before You Go: Preparing for Travel with a Baby
The key for how to travel with a newborn is a bit of planning beforehand and flexibility when things inevitably don’t go as expected. To start, check with your pediatrician to ensure your baby is ready to safely travel and create a packing checklist. Think through how you will handle feedings and nap time, building in extra time in your itinerary. And lastly, be prepared to adjust your expectations and adapt as you go. The extra care and preparation required to travel with an infant will be well worth it to create lasting memories together.
Check with Your Pediatrician Before Traveling
The first step as you begin planning your trip should be to consult with your pediatrician, especially if the trip involves flying or long distances in a car. They will make sure it’s not only safe for your baby to travel at this stage, but can offer advice on feeding, managing sleep schedules, and safety tips while traveling. Your pediatrician will want to check that vaccinations are up to date, and there may even be specific health concerns that need to be considered depending on your baby or travel destination.
Create a Realistic Itinerary
When traveling with a baby, it’s always a good idea to allow for flexibility in your itinerary. Build a simple schedule each day that accommodates the baby's feeding and nap schedule, leaving some buffers for extra breaks and unexpected delays. Avoid situations that might add stress to the journey, like overbooking your day or making tight travel connections. Slowing down and having a realistic itinerary helps everyone stay calm and comfortable.
Travel Paperwork and Documentation
When considering what to bring when traveling with an infant, the appropriate travel paperwork and documentation tops the list, especially when flying. Check with your airline to see what type of identification is required. For domestic flights, a birth certificate or other proof of age documentation may be required. For international flights, a passport and maybe even a visa will be required, depending on the destination. It’s always a good idea to travel with your baby’s medical records as well, particularly if your child has any health conditions or requires medication.
Baby Travel Essentials: What to Pack for Any Trip
When deciding what to bring when traveling with an infant, there are a few essentials that should always make the list. No matter how you’re getting to your destination, be sure to pack plenty of diapers and wipes, extra clothes for you and the baby, and a portable changing pad. An infant carrier makes navigating the airport easier, and don’t forget a travel nursing pillow for comfortable feedings on the go. With a little thoughtful packing, you’ll be ready for whatever the journey brings.
Diapers & Changing Accessories
For diaper changes on the go, pack just enough diapers for the day, a travel-sized pack of wipes, diaper cream, and an extra outfit. A clean, compact changing surface is also a must when traveling. Boppy’s super soft, washable Changing Pad Liners are a lightweight, easy solution that tuck into your diaper bag and turn any surface into a quick, stress-free changing station.
Baby Feeding Essentials
Whether you’re nursing, bottle-feeding, or combination feeding, pack the essentials to keep baby fed and content. This includes bottles, formula or breastmilk, burp cloths, and a cooler bag with ice packs. Even if you are flying, TSA will allow breastmilk, formula, and baby food in reasonable quantities. A nursing pillow for travel like Boppy’s Anywhere Nursing Pillow keeps you and baby comfortable. Specifically designed for travel, the Anywhere pillow packs up small in an easy-to-carry shape and features a strap that can be easily looped around your stroller or diaper bag for hands-free carrying. Pair it with a Nursing Cover to add some privacy when you find yourself needing to feed in an unexpected public space.
Sleep Support Items
Getting your baby to sleep in a new environment can be tricky, but bringing along a few familiar comforts can make it easier. A wearable blanket or small white noise machine can help create a soothing, recognizable atmosphere to fall asleep in. For a safe sleeping spot while on the go, bring a travel bassinet like the Boppy Travel Bassinet that sets up in seconds with its flat-pack, assembly-free design.
Baby Soothing Items
To keep the baby calm and content while traveling, pack a few of their favorite soothing items. Pacifiers, teethers, a cozy swaddle or small toy can all provide a familiar sense of comfort. A soft, compact pillow like Boppy’s Tummy Time Prop provides tummy time support and doubles as a toy. Don’t forget any other frequently used playtime items to help the baby stay engaged during long stretches of travel.
Babywearing and Mobility
Babywearing can be a total game-changer when traveling with an infant, allowing you to keep the baby safe and close while staying hands-free. A soft, travel-friendly option like the Boppy ComfyGrow Baby Carrier allows you to navigate airports with ease, and is adjustable as your baby grows to accommodate multiple stages. For longer stretches of travel, a lightweight travel stroller may make more sense and can even provide some extra storage space while on the go.
Emergency Kit
Be prepared for unexpected injuries during travel with a small emergency kit for the baby. Include baby-safe medications like a pain reliever and gas drops, a thermometer, antibiotic ointment, and bandages. Having these essentials packed and on hand can help you stay calm and prepared when the unforeseen bump or scrape happens.
Explore our quick list of top items to include in your diaper bag for ease on the go!
Flying with a Baby: How to Prepare for Air Travel
Air travel with an infant can seem especially daunting, but with a few helpful tips for flying with a baby, you’ll be confidently on your way. While certain rules are in place for flying with a baby, your airline might have a specific process, so always check with them before you book. In general, the infant lap rule allows babies under two to fly for free on your or a caregiver’s lap. Consider an aisle seat near the back of the plane so you can comfortably get up as needed throughout the flight. If you are traveling with a stroller or car seat, most airlines will permit you to gate-check them before you get on the plane.
Navigating TSA and Airport Security
TSA does allow breast milk, formula, and baby food in your carry-on in reasonable quantities, even over the normal liquid limits. You can also bring a soft cooler bag and ice packs for keeping milk cold while transporting. Keep your items labeled and organized, and declare everything up front with a TSA agent for special screening. For an extra streamlined security process, wear your baby so you can remain hands-free.
Flying with a Car Seat or Lap Infant
When flying with a baby, you can choose to share a seat or buy a separate seat and use an FAA-approved car seat. You can share a seat with your infant up to two years of age as long as they stay in your lap throughout the flight. A dedicated seat provides extra safety and space for you and your baby and might make more sense for longer flights. If you do decide to share a seat, most airlines allow you to gate check your car seat (and stroller) for free.
Managing Feeding/Nursing on a Plane
To reduce ear pressure and potential fussiness, plan to feed the baby or offer a pacifier during takeoff and landing. The sucking and swallowing motions open up the ear canals, equalizing the pressure and also providing a nice distraction. For ergonomic support even in tight spaces, bring along a Boppy Anywhere Nursing Pillow with a Nursing Cover for added privacy while feeding. Its compact, portable design makes it easy to pack and perfect for small airplane seats, helping you stay comfortable while keeping baby properly positioned.
Keeping Baby Calm and Entertained
Familiar soft toys, teethers, and pacifiers can go a long way in keeping your baby calm and entertained during a flight. Babywearing, gentle movement, and quiet singing can also be helpful in soothing a fussy baby. And remember that crying is completely normal for babies, and most passengers will understand. Focus on your baby’s needs and just do your best.
Dealing with Delays or Long Layovers
Airport downtime is a necessary part of airline travel, and delays or long layovers are a perfect time to slow down and reset. Check the airport map ahead of time and note any designated nursing rooms or family rest areas you can utilize. Pull out those extra toys and comfort items you packed to keep the baby content, and remember to stay flexible with routines and adapt as needed to make the experience more manageable for everyone.
Bring playtime on the go with travel-friendly toys and props that keep your baby engaged wherever you are.
Road Trips with Baby: Making Car Travel Comfortable
If your travel includes driving with a baby, comfort and flexibility are key, especially for long distances on the road. A road trip with a baby requires frequent stops for feeding, diaper changes, and stretching. At a minimum, infants should be taken out of the car seat once every two hours, and even more frequently for newborns. To make car travel with a baby more enjoyable, pack a travel white noise machine and plenty of soft toys and books to keep the baby safe and entertained.
Prepping the Car Seat and Setup
Before any road trip, ensure your car seat is properly installed. Many local fire or police stations offer free safety checks for extra peace of mind. A car seat mirror or camera can help you keep an eye on your baby throughout the trip without distraction. Use a window shade to block harsh sunlight, and dress the baby in thin, breathable layers to keep them cool, safe, and comfortable.
Feeding on the Road
The only safe way to feed your baby while on the road is to stop the car, regardless of whether you are driving or a passenger. While it may seem convenient to feed your baby on the road, there is always the risk of choking, which becomes much more dangerous in a moving vehicle. Find a safe place to pull over for each feeding session, and try to plan the stops around the baby’s normal feeding routine if possible. Rest stops or large parking lots are great places to stop, feed, and stretch your legs. Portable pillows like Boppy’s Anywhere Nursing Pillow provide extra comfort for you and your baby, especially when feeding in a cramped space.
Entertainment and Soothing in the Car
Keeping a baby soothed and entertained during a long car ride is no easy feat. Have a couple of toy options within reach, like soft teethers, high contrast visual books, or crinkle toys. Try playing soft music or white noise and bring a favorite blanket or lovey to provide extra comfort. If you’re traveling with another person, have one of you sit in the back with the baby to keep them engaged and switch out toys as needed.
Planning Breaks and Overnight Stops
Regular breaks are key when roadtripping with a baby, and depending on the length of the trip, you might want to build in an overnight stop as well. Plan to stop every two hours to change, feed, stretch, and give you a chance to reset. Portable items like the Boppy Play Mat or Tummy Time Prop can turn anywhere into a familiar place for on-the-go play and movement. A little fresh air and gentle activity can go a long way in making the trip more manageable.
Feeding on the Go: Nursing, Pumping, and Bottle Tips
Feeding a baby in airports, cars, or public spaces takes a bit of patience and flexibility. Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, or bottle feeding, look for rest areas, nursing rooms, or even a quiet corner to feed comfortably. A nursing pillow for travel, like the Boppy Anywhere Nursing Pillow, adds support on the go while a Nursing Cover provides some additional privacy. Helpful travel feeding tips for pumping parents include packing a battery-operated pump, milk storage bags, and a cooler bag with ice packs. For bottle feeding, pre-measure the portions and keep everything clearly labeled and organized. With a little extra planning, you can feed your baby with confidence no matter where you are.
Finding a Comfortable Feeding Setup
Traveling with an infant often involves finding creative solutions, and feeding is no exception. Locating a private and comfortable spot for feedings in public spaces can sometimes be a challenge, but the right infant travel accessories can make a big difference. A nursing pillow can make even the most unexpected places more comfortable during feedings, and a nursing cover adds privacy when you want it.
Pumping While Traveling
Pumping while traveling requires a bit more effort and planning than strictly breastfeeding, but it’s totally doable with a bit of preparation. If you can, bring a wearable, battery-powered pump so you can remain hands-free and on the move. Bring extra pump parts and a small bottle brush or cleaning wipes to keep everything clean. Insulated cooler bags with ice packs are useful for storing pumped milk safely until you get to your final destination.
Managing Bottles and Formula
For bottle feeding while traveling, you can prepare a few things in advance to make it easier on yourself when on the go. You can either mix on the go with pre-measured formula and bottled water, or make the formula bottles at home, storing in the fridge for an hour before traveling. Keep any pre-made bottles of formula or breast milk in insulated cooler bags during transit. To warm them up, pack a portable bottle warmer or use warm water and a bowl.
Keeping Track of Feeding Schedules
When traveling and away from your normal setup and routine, it can be easy to lose track of details like feeding times and which side you last nursed or pumped from. Keep a log somewhere that is easy to access, like on your phone’s notes app or a designated baby feeding app. Handy features like the SlideLine ring on Boppy’s Nursing Cover can make it even easier to remember the side you last used. These small details can make a big difference for busy parents on the go.
Trouble with breastfeeding in public? Discover Boppy’s top tips for breastfeeding to help you feel confident and comfortable wherever you feed.
Boppy Helps You and Your Baby Travel with Ease
Traveling with an infant comes with its own set of challenges, requiring patience, flexibility, and a little bit of grace. It might feel daunting at first, but with a little planning and preparation, you can travel confidently and look back with pride and lots of sweet memories with your little one.
Boppy is here to support families through every parenting milestone, including travel, with products designed to make life easier and more comfortable. From our multipurpose Shopping Cart Covers to our portable Play Mats, each item reflects our commitment to safety-first design, practical solutions, and inclusive support for all momkind®. Whether you’re heading out on a road trip, catching a flight, or simply running errands, Boppy’s travel-ready collection offers the stylish, functional support you need to feel prepared.
Traveling with a Baby FAQs
How old does a baby have to be to fly?
Airlines generally allow babies to fly as early as 2 days old, but many pediatricians recommend waiting until the baby is at least 2 weeks old for safety and immune system development. Always check with your doctor and the airline before booking.
Do infants require a passport?
Yes, all infants (including newborns) need a valid passport to travel internationally. For domestic U.S. flights, a birth certificate may be accepted, but it’s best to check with your airline.
How long can an infant be in a car seat?
It’s recommended that infants not remain in a car seat for more than 2 hours at a time. On long drives, plan frequent breaks to allow your baby to stretch and move safely.
Do newborns fly free?
Most U.S. airlines allow infants under 2 years old to fly for free on a parent’s lap for domestic flights. However, fees and policies vary, especially for international travel, so check with your airline.
Can you feed a baby in a car seat?
Feeding a baby while the car is moving is not recommended, and never okay if you are the driver. For safety reasons, always pull over to a safe spot before feeding, whether nursing or bottle-feeding, so you can supervise your baby closely and avoid choking risks or distractions.
Can you take a car seat on a plane?
Yes, you can bring a car seat on a plane if you’ve purchased a seat for your baby. Make sure it’s FAA-approved and fits in the airplane seat. Many airlines also allow you to gate-check it for free if you're holding baby on your lap.