Planning your first holiday with a baby is an exciting milestone. Whether you’re heading abroad for some sunshine, enjoying a UK staycation or visiting family, travelling with a little one is a completely new experience.
The good news is that with a little planning, your first family holiday can be enjoyable, memorable and far less stressful than you might expect. From knowing what to pack to following trusted safe sleep guidance and helping your baby stay comfortable in warmer weather, there are plenty of simple ways to prepare.
In this guide, we’ve brought together practical baby travel tips, alongside advice from trusted organisations including The Lullaby Trust and the NHS, to help you feel more confident before travel.
One of the biggest adjustments for first-time parents travelling with a baby is accepting that everything simply takes a little longer – and that’s perfectly normal.
Building extra time into your journey can make travelling feel much more relaxed. Whether you’re flying, taking the ferry or travelling by car, allowing flexibility means there’s less pressure if your baby needs feeding, changing or comforting.
Consider allowing extra time for:
Rather than planning every hour of your holiday, try leaving room for flexibility. Babies thrive on routine, but holidays don’t always go exactly to plan – and that’s okay.
Creating a baby holiday checklist before you travel can help avoid last-minute stress.
Every family is different, but you may wish to pack:
For flights, it’s also worth packing a complete change of clothes for both your baby and yourself in your hand luggage. Little accidents can happen at any time, and having spare clothes close by can make all the difference.
If you’re travelling abroad with a baby, your first flight may feel daunting, but many parents are pleasantly surprised by how well baby’s travel.
A few simple tips include:
Remember that every baby is different. What works for one family may not work for another, so don’t worry if your journey doesn’t go exactly to plan.
If you’re driving to your destination, planning regular breaks is just as important.
If you’re travelling by car for a longer journey, it’s a good idea to plan regular breaks. The Lullaby Trust advises stopping regularly so you can check on your baby, take them out of their car seat and allow them to stretch and move around. Some NHS Trusts also advise taking breaks at least every two hours during longer journeys.
Before setting off, check that your baby’s car seat is correctly fitted and suitable for their age and size.
Your baby’s sleep routine may change while you’re away, but safer sleep guidance remains the same wherever you’re staying.
The Lullaby Trust recommends that babies should:
If you’re staying in a hotel, holiday cottage or villa, it’s worth checking in advance whether a suitable travel cot is provided or whether you’ll need to bring your own.
One common mistake parent’s make is covering a pushchair with a blanket to create shade. The Lullaby Trust advises against this, as it can significantly increase the temperature inside the pushchair by reducing airflow. Instead, consider using a purpose-designed parasol or sunshade that still allows air to circulate.
If your first family holiday includes warmer weather, protecting your baby from the sun should form part of your holiday planning.
If sunscreen is suitable for your child’s age, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and reapply it as directed, particularly after swimming or excessive sweating.
Remember that babies can become overheated more quickly than adults, so it’s important to monitor them regularly throughout the day.
Holidays naturally involve new surroundings, unfamiliar routines and lots of excitement.
Where possible, try to maintain familiar parts of your baby’s daily routine, such as:
You don’t need to follow your routine perfectly, but maintaining some consistency may help your baby settle more easily in a new environment.
When booking accommodation, it’s worth checking what facilities are available before you travel.
Some useful questions to ask include:
A little research before you book can make your holiday much more comfortable once you arrive.
Travelling with a baby often means carrying extra luggage and carefully planning your journey.
Before you travel, it may be worth considering arranging travel insurance. Depending on the policy you choose, it may provide cover for certain unexpected events before and during your trip, such as cancellation, emergency medical expenses, baggage or travel disruption, subject to the policy terms, conditions, exclusions and claim acceptance criteria.
If your baby has any medical conditions, it’s important to check whether these need to be declared when arranging your policy.
What is the best age for a baby’s first holiday?
Every family is different, and there isn’t a single “right” age. Some families travel within the first few months, while others prefer to wait until routines are more established. If you’re unsure, it’s always worth speaking with your GP or health visitor before travelling.
What should I pack for my baby’s first holiday?
Your packing list will depend on your destination and the length of your trip, but essentials often include nappies, wipes, bottles, baby food or formula, spare clothes, medicines, travel documents, a pushchair or carrier and items to help your baby sleep comfortably.
Can my baby sleep in a travel cot?
Yes, provided the travel cot offers a flat, firm sleeping surface and is suitable for your baby’s age and size. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and The Lullaby Trust’s safer sleep guidance.
How can I protect my baby from the sun on holiday?
The NHS recommends keeping babies under six months out of direct sunlight where possible, dressing them in lightweight clothing and a wide-brimmed sun hat, encouraging regular feeds and seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Do babies need travel insurance?
Babies can usually be included on a family travel insurance policy, although this will depend on the insurer and the policy you choose. Before you travel, it may be worth considering whether travel insurance is suitable for your family’s trip. Depending on the policy, it may provide cover for certain unexpected events, such as emergency medical expenses, cancellation or baggage, subject to the policy terms, conditions, exclusions and claim acceptance criteria.
If your baby has any pre-existing medical conditions, it’s important to check whether these need to be declared when arranging your policy. Always read the policy wording carefully so you understand what is and isn’t covered before you travel.
Your first holiday with a baby is likely to be one you’ll always remember. While travelling with a little one may take a little more planning, it also brings the opportunity to make wonderful family memories together.
By packing thoughtfully, allowing extra time, following trusted guidance on safe sleep and sun safety, and preparing for your journey in advance, you can help your holiday get off to the best possible start.
Whether you’re heading to the seaside, exploring a new city or enjoying your first family holiday abroad, we hope these baby travel tips help you travel with confidence and enjoy every moment together.
