Traveling with Babies and Toddlers: Travel Tips to Keep Everyone Happy (and Sane)

Traveling with little ones can feel daunting, and honestly when I think about this topic I get a little nervous. Whether it’s your first family trip this holiday season or you’re a seasoned traveler, there is a lot of preparation that goes into traveling with kids. Between packing all the essentials, managing naps, and keeping fussy kids entertained, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But with a little planning and the right travel tips up your sleeve, travel can actually be enjoyable—even with a baby or toddler in tow. Here are a few tried-and-true travel tips for traveling with young kids, covering everything from baby wearing to keeping those tiny hands busy during long trips.

I talked to some loyal Infant Insights followers and fellow friends to create this blog post and I am excited to share!

First things first, embrace baby wearing if you have a child young enough!

If you’re traveling with a baby, a carrier or wrap is going to be your BEST FRIEND. Baby wearing makes navigating airports, train stations, and crowded tourist spots so much easier. When your baby is snug against you, you can keep your hands free for luggage, tickets, or older siblings.

Why baby wearing is a travel must-have:

• You can skip the bulky stroller, especially if you’re flying and want to streamline what you bring.
• Babies often feel calmer and sleep better when they’re close to you.
• Baby wearing makes boarding planes much easier 

Pro Tip: If you’re flying, opt for a soft, easy-to-pack baby wrap, like a Solly Baby, for newborns and babies 0-12 months. Stretchy wraps are great for younger babies, while structured carriers, like the Tush Baby with Snug Seat, work well for older babies and toddlers. Use code “INFANTINSIGHTS” to save on both of these products! 

And don’t worry about TSA—you can usually wear your baby through security checkpoints (YAY). Travel tips like this can save you time and energy during hectic travel days.

If you’re flying, let toddlers get the wiggles out before boarding

For toddlers, sitting still on a plane or car ride for hours can feel like torture—and, let’s be honest, it’s tough for parents, too. Before you board your flight or hit the road, let your little one burn off some energy. Most airports have designated play areas, but even just letting them walk, jump, or explore the terminal can help. I also recommend turning on a fun interactive song or video that encourages the kids to follow along and burn some energy off! Our go-to with our 2 year old is Tooty Ta by Jack Hartman.

Pre-Flight Movement Ideas:

• Take a few laps around the gate area while holding their hand or letting them toddle ahead.
• Do some stretches, playful movements, like hopping, tiptoeing, or marching, or dance along to a song.
• If you’re in a car, scout out rest areas where you can stop and the kids can safely run around for a few minutes.

Travel tips like this ensure that toddlers release their energy before being confined for long periods. A physically tired toddler is often a happier (and sometimes napping) toddler!

For all ages, pack a rotation of toys and activities

Just like a toy rotation at home, an on-the-go toy rotation can save you during travel! Keeping your baby or toddler entertained during a trip can feel like a never-ending task, but a smart rotation of toys and activities can save the day. The idea is to have a small stash of items you can swap out throughout the trip to keep things feeling new and exciting.

Shop toys great for on-the-go here!

Here’s how to build a travel toy kit:

1. Choose lightweight, small toys: Think teething rings, stacking cups, finger puppets, sensory toys, or small cars. Avoid toys with small parts. Trust me!
2. Add interactive activities: Books with flaps, no-mess coloring pads, and busy boards are great.
3. Include a surprise element: Wrap a few toys in tissue paper—unwrapping them is a bonus activity that toddlers love! Plus, if you have a baby in tow, they would LOVE to play with the paper. This will keep them busy for longer than you think, but just be sure they don’t put the paper in their mouth!
4. Use tech strategically: If you’re okay with screen time, download a couple of toddler-friendly shows, audiobooks, or apps as a last resort. (And don’t forget headphones!). If you have a mini Yoto Player, bringing this along with headphones is a great screen-free alternative. Plus it’s compact and easy to bring along!

Pro Tip: Keep toys organized in a zippered pouch or small bag that’s easy to access. Introduce one new toy or activity at a time to maintain interest. Once the child gets bored with the current toy, trade the toy out with something new. Interacting with your child while they play will help the child stay content and entertained longer. Simple travel tips like this can make long trips far less stressful.

If possible, try to time travel around your child’s sleep schedule

If you can, plan your trip or flight around your baby or toddler’s natural sleep schedule. Flights during nap time can make for a smoother experience, and long car rides often double as a chance for little ones to catch some Zs.

Traveling by Plane:

• Book flights that align with nap time or bedtime
• For babies, feeding, bottle or breast, during takeoff and landing helps with ear pressure and can soothe them to sleep.
• Be sure to bring along your child’s favorite cozy blanket, lovey, or soother to signal “sleep time.”

Traveling by Car:

• Start driving around nap time to increase the odds of a solid car nap. 
• Pack a sound machine or play soft lullabies to encourage sleep on the road. Playing “The Happy Song” in the car has a 95% chance of putting your baby to sleep, trust me!
• If your toddler fights car naps, plan stops where they can reset before trying again.

When it comes to travel tips, planning around sleep can make all the difference for both your little one and yourself. 

If age appropriate, don’t forget snacks—and lots of them

Snacks can be put into the same category as a toy, or activity, rotation. Snacks are a game changer when traveling with young kids over the age of ~9 months. Not only do they keep hunger at bay, but they can also be a fun activity for babies and toddlers. A snack break can buy you a precious few minutes of quiet time, whether you’re in a plane, car, or waiting in line somewhere.

Best travel snacks for little ones:

• Yogurt melts, like these by Amara Baby are great
• Sliced fruit or veggies (pre-cut and stored in snack containers)
• Sealed string cheese or yogurt pouches
• Snack bars

Pro Tip: Bring snacks that are easy to clean up and won’t make a huge mess. Bring a bib in your carry on or travel bag to help minimize the mess. Pack them in small, resealable bags or a bento-style box for easy access. Simple travel tips like having plenty of snacks can prevent meltdowns and keep everyone happier for longer. If you’re traveling by plane, no worries! According to the TSA, “Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage.”

If you are able, use a rental service for baby gear

One of the biggest challenges of traveling with babies and toddlers is bringing ALLLLLL the necessary gear—car seats, strollers, cribs, and high chairs quickly add up and take up a ton of space. Instead of hauling everything with you, consider using a baby gear rental service at your destination, like BabyQuip.

Why Baby Gear Rentals Are a Game-Changer:

• Travel lighter: Skip the stress of checking oversized items like strollers and car seats.

• Convenience: Many services deliver gear straight to your hotel, rental home, or airport.

• Quality and safety: Rental services often provide well-maintained, high-quality gear that meets safety standards.

Popular companies like BabyQuip and local rental services can supply everything you need for your trip, saving you space and hassle. Travel tips like this allow you to focus on the fun part—enjoying your destination with your little one! Be sure you also check your hotel’s selection before using a paid service! A lot of times hotels will have cribs, or highchairs included in your booking. Learn more about travel products to support your child's sleep here!

When traveling, expect changes in routines

Travel often disrupts naps, meals, and bedtime—and that’s okay! While sticking to your routine as much as possible can help, flexibility is key. Babies and toddlers are resilient, and most kids adjust quickly once they settle into their new surroundings.

Tips to Make Transitions Smoother:

• Bring familiar items from home, like a favorite blanket, pacifier, or stuffed animal.
• Stick to your normal bedtime routine, even in a new place—reading a book or singing a lullaby can be calming and reassuring.
• Don’t stress about perfection. If naps are shorter or bedtime is later, just go with the flow. You’ll all adjust in time.
• If you are traveling into new time zones, try your best to push your baby to the new schedule upon arrival. Consider taking your baby on a stroller walk or keeping them entertained with exciting activities if you need to keep them awake to adjust to the new time zone. This adjustment may be rather difficult at first, and the first few days may be long, but with time everyone will be on the new schedule. Just in time to travel home… 

Flexibility is one of the most important travel tips for keeping your sanity when traveling with little ones. I know this can be hard as travel can be stressful in itself without children, but you can do this!

Keep calm and enjoy the chaos!

Let’s be honest: Like we said before, traveling with babies and toddlers isn’t always easy. There will be meltdowns, missed naps, and moments when you question your sanity. But keeping a calm, positive mindset can make a world of difference. Be sure to bring a few things you enjoy, like your Kindle or your AirPods so you can enjoy a moment to yourself if you’re able. If you are traveling with your partner or family, ask them for help with the kids beforehand and set expectations around who will do what to keep the peace.

Remember:

• Kids and others pick up on your energy—staying relaxed helps them stay calm, too.
• Give yourself grace. You’re doing an amazing job simply by making the effort to travel as a family. I know it’s hard! But, once you successfully tackle this task, you will feel like a superhuman!
• Focus on the small wins: a successful nap, a happy giggle, or a quiet moment enjoying the scenery. They all count!

Traveling with babies and toddlers definitely comes with its challenges and requires preparation, but it’s also an opportunity to make memories as a family. With the right travel tips—like baby wearing, a well-stocked toy rotation, and plenty of snacks—you can make the experience smoother for everyone. Be patient with yourself, embrace the chaos, and remember: the journey is part of the fun. Safe travels!