So you’ve decided to start planning your first trip with your little one. Travelling with your newbie can be an amazing experience and a great way to create some amazing family memories. 

The thought of planning this trip however, will probably seem pretty daunting at first, so here at cocobabybox we have some tips and tricks for how to travel with a baby that will help you feel more comfortable in this exciting next chapter. 

Timing

We’re betting if you’ve always loved travelling, you’ve probably been wondering throughout your pregnancy, how soon after the baby arrives can you travel together.

If your little one is still at the newborn stage, we would suggest checking with your local GP before booking a trip, but in general it is best to wait until your newborn is about 1 or 2 weeks old. To make things easier, you could wait a little longer - at 3 months, babies are usually ready for shorter trips and 9 months seems to be the sweet spot to start taking those long-haul trips.

But every little one is different, so be sure to follow your instincts when you make the decision to make that first trip! 

Packing

So you’ve probably already realised that packing for your little one is a lot different to packing for yourself. 

One thing to note, is don’t plan on being able to re-style a top for 2 different looks — by the end of the day that top will be very much ready for the wash after traveling with your little one. 

Figuring out what to pack with a baby really depends on their age and how long you’re all going to be traveling for. So we’ve pulled together a few checklists to help! 

Essential packing list

• Nappies
• Outfits - Plan for 1 day and 1 night outfit per day + extras 
• Plastic bags to pop dirty items in when you’re not near a bin
• Nappy Rash Cream
• Wipes (preferably Travel-Sized)
• Bibs
• Extra bottles
• Collapsible travel stroller

In addition to all the essentials, here are some extra bits and bobs you’ll probably need depending on your specific travel plans.

Newborn & Baby Packing Checklist  

• Multiple burp cloths
• Muslin blanket for nursing
• Allow for 10 or more nappies per day (you can always buy more on route)
• Snacks for baby and you
• Books, tablets and small foldable toys - you’ll likely need a variety of entertainment

Plane travel with a little one

The first thing to understand and also not to stress about is whether your little one will cry on the journey. It’s time to accept that a few tears will likely happen on a plane journey, someone will probably get annoyed and there’s not much you can do to prevent this. 

Most of the most common reasons babies cry on planes is because their ears hurt. There are lots of different options to help the pressure in your baby's ears, you can offer your baby a bottle, breast or soother to suck on during takeoff and descent.

Boredom also causes fussy babies, so come prepared with treats, videos and their favourite toys. 

The good news is that planes usually have lots of other families on holidays, so you’ll probably find there’s a lot more compassion around you than you might initially expect.

Plane packing

One of the great things about traveling with a little one is the extra luggage, so you won’t need to worry too much about not having enough space. A great way to think about packing your carry on is to think of it as an emergency kit. You’re going to want all your essentials at a moment’s notice. 

• An extra set of organic baby clothes (our cocobabyboxes make the perfect extra pair) 
• An extra t-shirt or top for you (in case there’s a mess)
• A wrap or extra warm layer for your little one
• Travel baby wipes
• Yummy snacks
• In general, 1 nappy for every hour
• Their favourite soothing toy and book
• Portable changing pad
• Disposable bags for dirty nappies and wipes
• For overnight flights, pack a couple of overnight nappies

Taking to the road with a baby

Whether it's to your in-laws for or for a quick weekend trip, taking your little one along on a road trip can be a little trickier but totally doable with these tips. 

The backseat - aka the changing table

All parents know that blowouts can happen at anytime, they can be helped with the right sized nappy. But usually when they inevitably do happen, you can bet your bottom dollar it’s going to be at the worst time possible. A road trip in the middle of nowhere with the next petrol station over 10 miles away would probably be the likely spot. 

Top tips for car travels 

Packing list

• Portable changing pad
• Backseat organizer stuffed with diapers, wipes, rash cream and a toy (for distraction)
• The minimum of 1 nappy for every hour in the car
• An old towel
• Wipes

Other useful tips

Don’t put your changing bag in the car boot - If you do make this mistake, we’re sure you’ll probably only make it once. Keep your changing bag within reach so that you don’t have to make an unscheduled stop.

Plan pit stops for your route - Look up rest stops, petrol stations, cafes. Anywhere you can safely change a nappy and pick up any extra essentials. 

We’re not gonna lie, traveling with a little one is tough, and definitely not for the faint hearted but it can be an amazing experience for you and your family. So just remember to be prepared and remain calm. Preparation and calmness - the essentials for a great family trip!