Guest post by Allie, founder of family travel blow Little Brits Abroad During pregnancy, we were determined to stay true to our love of adventure, planning (and sometimes even booking) trips for the following year, convinced that travel could be different but still very much possible. After our son was born, the idea of travelling felt daunting, especially in those early postpartum months, and I wondered how naive I’d been and if our travel-filled lifestyle would have to pause.But since our first UK weekend away with our three-month-old son, we’ve discovered a rhythm that lets us keep exploring - so far across the UK, Europe, and even North America - without sacrificing sanity (too much!). Along the way, I’ve picked up practical tips and tricks that make travelling with a baby not just possible, but genuinely enjoyable. Here’s my essential guide for parents ready to take their little one on their next adventure. 1. Sort travel documents early Prepare your baby’s paperwork well in advance: Passport: UK processing is generally quick, but allow extra time. I have a step-by-step guide available if needed. Travel insurance: Ensure your baby is covered under your family policy, as coverage’s not automatic. GHIC card: This often forgotten card provides free healthcare across Europe, so get one for all members of your family. Vaccinations: Consult your GP before travel. 2. Pick the right type of holiday In our experience, different holidays suit different-aged babies: UK staycations: Short drives, familiar routines, and predictable accommodation. These are great for your first trip away with a baby, or at any point really! European beach holidays: These are typically villa holidays with pools and shaded areas for naps, but unpredictable heat can add a bit of stress. Accommodation is often tiled, so perhaps best avoided while your little one is learning how to move. All-inclusive resorts: Convenient, but accommodation space may be limited, which could cause issues with sleep. The quality of food is important once your baby is on solids. City breaks: Walkable cities provide plenty of wake window simulation, and central apartments make exploring with a baby enjoyable. Road trips: Flexible pacing, frequent stops, and spacious overnight stays are ideal, but ideally, you should wait until your baby is old enough to stay in the car for over 2 hours at a time. The right destination can make or break your trip. Consider: Walkable locations: Whether you prefer a city break or a mountainous stay, we found that bases around water offer plenty of flat, pram-friendly walks. Avoid destinations that require heavy use of trains or subways. Short journeys: Road trips with shorter daily drives can be really fun, but I suggest starting with destinations that don’t involve long flights or transfers at the other end. Healthcare access: Especially important for younger babies, just in case. Comfortable climates: Avoid high heat for a happier baby - trust me when I say it’s not fun trying to constantly jump from shade to shade! 3. Pack smart Parents will know that the packing game levels up significantly when you have children, and even more so with a baby. While you can buy most things wherever you go, packing well is essential for stress-free travel. There’s nothing worse than realising you’ve forgotten the thermometer that one time you think baby has a temp, or leaving your pop-up blackout blind at home! Try to book accommodation with baby-friendly amenities like high chairs and washing machines, as this will help you reduce what you need to bring.Essentials include: Lightweight travel stroller - a lie-flat one is a big plus for napping Baby carrier - I love my LittleLife Cross Country backpack carrier, which allows our son to see the world around him White noise, blackout covers, and other nap-inducing essentials Clothing for all different temperatures, as you never quite know how warm it’ll be where you’re staying. For a comprehensive list, check out my baby travel packing list, which includes the little things you may forget that I’ve found make all the difference. 4. Think about how best to fly with your baby Air travel requires extra considerations, which isn’t ideal for sleep-deprived parents like us. On short-haul flights, I like to book a seat for our baby and use a car seat for added comfort (and to ensure it arrives without any dents!), but this comes at an extra cost. On long-haul flights, book your seats early to guarantee a bassinet or infant seat on the wall, which provides extra space. However you choose to travel: Feed during take off and landing to help with ear pressure. Pack multiple clothing changes (for baby AND you - as this is sure to be the time you get one of many bodily fluid options on you!). Pack your cabin bags carefully, with easy access to toys and a streamlined changing bag (those plane toilets are small!). I have a first-timer's guide to flying with a baby on my blog. 5. Help your little one sleep well away from home Maintaining a sleep routine helps your baby adapt, but be prepared for occasional rough nights. My tips are to: Book accommodation that suits the age of your baby, so if your baby sleeps in their own room, book a separate sleep space for them. If you can’t do this, we’ve found that booking a room with a terrace or balcony allows us to stay up after they have gone to bed. Bring your travel cot if possible, and if not, try to bring bedding that smells like home. Most travel cots are foldable and lightweight, and we’ve found it makes more sense to bring one with us so we know it’ll be familiar, comfortable, and clean! Don’t forget sleep aids like white noise, and if you’re unsure about air conditioning, pack a portable pram fan as a backup. Stick to familiar bedtime routines, whatever they are. 6. Manage your expectations and stay flexible Finally, your mindset matters just as much as the preparation: Recalibrate your itinerary closer to the time: Babies change all the time, and what works when you book a trip may not be quite right when you arrive. Plan a few experiences for the duration of your trip, but you may need to decide on the morning what you’ll actually do that day. Be prepared to do less than you used to, but it won’t matter when you’re making different sorts of memories. Build in buffer time: Whether it’s at the airport or out and about on holiday, you’ll need extra breaks for feeding and changing, or helping little legs get from A to B. Embrace unpredictability: Babies are adaptable, but hiccups will happen. If you expect less from the trip, you’re bound to be pleasantly surprised. Support each other: Share responsibilities with co-parents or other adults to reduce the pressure on you - it’s a holiday, after all! The goal isn’t perfection - it’s about us parents enjoying being away from home, and enjoying our little one’s company. I’m pleased to say that travelling with our baby has been more magical than I ever expected, especially now our little one has started interacting with the world around him. With careful planning, a flexible mindset, and a few practical tricks, you can expose your baby to new sights, cultures, and experiences from the very start.For more family travel tips, relatable stories, and ready-to-go destination guides, check out Little Brits Abroad.
