Travel with a Baby
Nervous about your first trip with a baby? You're not alone — but it's more manageable than you think. Here's everything you need to know, from the airport to the hotel room.
12 min read · Updated August 2026
Travelling with a baby for the first time feels daunting. The logistics seem enormous, the what-ifs multiply at 3am, and everyone has an opinion. But here's the truth most experienced parent travellers will tell you: babies are actually the easiest age to travel with. They sleep a lot, they don't need entertainment, they can't run off, and they have no opinions about the itinerary. The hard part is the packing and the planning — and that's exactly what this guide is for.
What to expect at each age
Travelling with a baby changes significantly month by month — here's a quick guide.
0–3 months
Possible but demanding. Most parents wait until after the 6–8 week check. Short trips only — baby needs to feed frequently and sleep is unpredictable.
3–6 months
The sweet spot for many families. Baby is alert and smiley but not yet mobile. Feeds are more predictable. Sleeps well in a travel cot or carrier.
6–9 months
Still manageable. Weaning adds complexity — you'll need to think about food. Baby may be crawling, which changes hotel room dynamics.
9–12 months
More active and curious — great for engagement but harder to contain. Pulling to stand means you need to baby-proof the accommodation.
Flying with a baby
What to expect, how to prepare, and how to survive it
- Book a bassinet seat
Most long-haul airlines offer bulkhead bassinet seats for infants under 6 months (weight limits vary — usually 11–14kg). These are free but must be requested at booking. They make a huge difference on flights over 3 hours. Call the airline directly after booking online to request one.
- Feed on take-off and landing
Sucking helps equalise ear pressure during ascent and descent — the most uncomfortable moments for babies. Breastfeed, bottle-feed, or offer a dummy timed to take-off. This is the single most effective thing you can do to prevent ear pain crying.
- Pack a dedicated hand luggage bag for baby
Keep nappies, wipes, a change of clothes (two — one for baby, one for you), formula or snacks, and a dummy all in one accessible bag. You don't want to be rummaging through an overhead locker mid-flight with a screaming baby.
- Arrive early and use family lanes
Most UK airports have dedicated family security lanes — use them. Arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure for short-haul, 3 hours for long-haul. Folding the buggy at security takes longer than you expect the first time.
- Don't stress about other passengers
Babies cry on planes. Everyone on that flight was once a baby. The vast majority of passengers are sympathetic — and those who aren't are not your problem. Focus on your baby, not on other people's reactions.
Packing for a baby
What you actually need — and what you can leave at home
- Pack twice as many nappies as you think you need
Nappies take up space but running out abroad is stressful. Pack enough for the journey plus two full days — then buy locally. European supermarkets stock Pampers and Huggies. Further afield, check in advance.
- A travel cot is usually worth hiring
Most hotels and holiday rentals can provide a travel cot — always confirm in advance and ask what type. If you're staying somewhere that can't provide one, hire locally rather than lugging yours through the airport. Pack your own fitted sheet — hotel cot sheets are often too large.
- Bring your own baby monitor
If you plan to use a monitor, bring yours from home. Hotel rooms vary enormously in layout and wall thickness. A good travel monitor (or a simple audio one) gives you peace of mind during nap times.
- Formula: check what's available at your destination
If you're formula-feeding, research what brands are available at your destination before you travel. UK formula brands aren't always stocked abroad. Bring enough for the full trip plus a buffer, or order ahead to your accommodation.
- Don't over-pack clothes
Babies need fewer outfits than you think — especially in warm destinations. Three or four outfits plus sleepsuits is usually enough for a week. Laundry facilities are available at most holiday rentals and many hotels.
Beach holidays with a baby
Making the most of sun and sea with an infant
- Sun protection is the priority
Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight entirely. Over 6 months, use SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide — gentler on baby skin), a UV-protective swimsuit, and a wide-brimmed hat. Reapply every 90 minutes and after water.
- A beach tent is essential
A pop-up UV beach tent gives baby a shaded space to sleep, play, and feed without being in direct sun. They fold flat and fit in a bag — one of the best baby travel purchases you can make. Look for UPF 50+ rated tents.
- Time beach visits around naps
The hottest part of the day (11am–3pm) is when baby should be in the shade or back at the accommodation. Plan beach time for early morning and late afternoon — cooler, less crowded, and better light for photos.
- Choose resorts with calm, shallow water
Sandy beaches with gently shelving, calm water are safest for babies. Avoid rocky beaches, strong currents, or exposed Atlantic-facing coasts. The Mediterranean, Canary Islands, and Turkish Riviera all have ideal conditions.
Baby travel packing checklist
Everything you need — organised by category. Print it, screenshot it, or use our interactive packing checklist.
Documents
- Passport (babies need their own)
- GHIC health card
- Travel insurance documents
- Airline booking confirmation
- Hotel/accommodation confirmation
Feeding
- Formula (enough for trip + buffer)
- Sterilised bottles and lids
- Bottle brush and travel steriliser
- Bibs (pack more than you think)
- Weaning pouches or snacks (6m+)
Sleeping
- Travel cot fitted sheet
- Baby sleeping bag (familiar scent helps)
- White noise app or portable speaker
- Blackout blind (portable)
- Baby monitor
Changing
- Nappies (2x what you think)
- Wipes (2 packs in hand luggage)
- Nappy bags
- Portable changing mat
- Nappy cream
Health & safety
- Baby paracetamol and ibuprofen
- Digital thermometer
- Baby sunscreen SPF 50+
- UV swimsuit and sun hat
- Insect repellent (DEET-free for babies)
Beach & travel
- Pop-up UV beach tent
- Baby carrier or sling
- Compact travel buggy
- Swim nappies
- Waterproof changing bag
Best holiday destinations for babies
Short flights, calm beaches, and baby-friendly resorts — our top picks for first-time family holidays.
Tenerife
Year-round warmth, calm south-coast beaches, excellent all-inclusive resorts with baby facilities, and short 4-hour flights.
Antalya, Turkey
Outstanding all-inclusive resorts with dedicated baby clubs, sandy beaches, and exceptional value for money.
Mallorca
Short 2-hour flight, calm cove beaches, excellent family hotels, and easy to navigate with a buggy.
Portugal (Algarve)
Warm, relaxed, and very family-friendly. The Algarve has excellent sandy beaches and a good range of baby-friendly accommodation.
Frequently asked questions
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