Traveling with a Child Under the Age of 2: 10 Essential Tips for Stress-Free Adventures

Two weeks ago I got back from a month long trip to Indonesia. It was an amazing time spent with family and experiencing the rich culture and delicious food. Traveling can be really fun, but for me it was a new experience going so far away from home, on such a long trip, with my 9 month old.

Traveling with a baby or toddler under the age of 2 can seem daunting, especially if it’s your first time like it was for me. But with the right preparation, you can make the journey smooth and enjoyable for both you and your little one. Whether you’re flying to a new destination or going on a road trip, here are some essential tips to ensure a stress-free experience while traveling with a young child.

1. Pack Smart, Pack Light (But Be Prepared)

Babies come with a lot of gear, but when traveling, less is often more. Here’s a checklist for smart packing:

• Diapers and wipes: Bring enough for the duration of the trip, with extra in case of delays.
• Extra clothes: Pack a few changes for your child and a spare outfit for yourself in case of accidents or diaper leaks (they do happen) 😛
• Snacks and formula: If your baby is on solids, pack easy-to-carry snacks like puffs or fruit pouches. If you’re formula feeding, bring pre-measured formula packets or ready-to-feed bottles.
  • Note: Some airlines have a food items for babies, but I don’t recommend especially for younger toddlers because new foods could upset their tummies.
• Favorite toys/comfort items: A familiar blanket or stuffed toy can help soothe your child in an unfamiliar environment.
• Travel-sized baby essentials: From diaper cream to baby sunscreen, travel-size bottles are a lifesaver.
• Baby carrier or lightweight stroller: Choose a stroller that folds easily and fits into tight spaces, or a baby carrier that keeps your hands free during boarding or long walks.
  • Note: Here are the links for the stroller and carrier that I used on our trip and I can guarantee that they will make your life easier.
    • Stroller: https://amzn.to/3XNaANN
    • Carrier: https://amzn.to/4eLN1LY
• Portable crib or bassinet: If you’re staying somewhere for a few days, consider bringing a travel crib or checking with your accommodation if they provide one. I was surprised just how accommodating people were with a crib wherever we went. The airlines have bassinets if you request them in advance and a lot of hotels and even AirBnBs have them too. Checking with your accomodations definitely pays off.

2. Timing is Everything

When booking flights or planning long drives, try to coordinate with your baby’s sleep schedule. Early morning flights are often less crowded, which can give you more room to settle in with your baby. If you’re flying, some parents find that evening flights allow their child to sleep for most of the journey. For road trips, plan around your child’s naps so they can rest during the drive. The flights from where we live in Michigan to Indonesia are very long, 36 hours in fact (counting layovers). Planning the longer flights for around bed time was definitely a game changer.

3. Choose Baby-Friendly Accommodations

Apart from asking your accommodations if they provide a bassinet or crib, you can also find some locations that provide things like highchairs, toys, and even childcare and kids programs. Looking into this ahead of time can definitely help you plan and coordinate the adventures you can have at your destination.

4. Navigating the Airport with Ease

If you’re flying, the airport experience can be one of the most stressful parts of the journey. At least it is for me. Here are some tips to make it smoother:

• Check airline policies: Most airlines allow families with children under 2 to bring essential baby gear like strollers and car seats without extra charge.
• Board early: Many airlines offer pre-boarding for families. Take advantage of this to get settled before the plane fills up. This is a huge help when you have multiple bags/strollers that you need to put in the overhead bin.
• Gate check your stroller: You can use your stroller throughout the airport and check it at the gate before boarding, so you don’t have to carry your baby the whole time. The stroller I recommended above can be gate checked, or used as a carry on bag because it is small enough to fit in the overhead bin.
• Use baby-friendly security lines: Many airports have lines specifically for families, which can make the process faster and less stressful. If you don’t see these lines, no worries. A lot of TSA officers are really friendly and they usually help you out to make the experience as smooth as possible.
• Prepare the liquids you need in one bag: If you are traveling with a baby that needs formula, you are allowed to bring as much liquid as you need in water bottles as long as you mentioned that it is special for the baby. However, TSA does still need to test it, so having it in a separate bag so only one of your bags is held back and putting it closer to the top of the bag will make a world of difference.

5. Feed During Takeoff and Landing

Babies and toddlers are particularly sensitive to changes in air pressure during takeoff and landing, which can cause discomfort in their ears. To alleviate this, breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or offering a pacifier can help reduce ear pressure and soothe your child. For older babies, a sippy cup or snack might also do the trick.

6. Stay Calm and Flexible

Traveling with a baby can be unpredictable. You may face unexpected delays, diaper blowouts, or tantrums. The key is to stay calm and flexible. Accept that things won’t always go as planned, and that’s okay! Keep a positive attitude, and your child will likely mirror your calm energy.

7. Book a Separate Seat for Longer Flights (If Possible)

Although babies under 2 can fly for free on your lap, booking a separate seat and bringing your baby’s car seat can make longer flights much more comfortable. It gives your child a familiar place to sit and sleep, and it allows you to have some extra space. Plus, a car seat provides an added layer of safety in case of turbulence.

8. Download baby-friendly entertainment

Whether you believe in limiting screen time for your toddler or not, I definitely do, lowering that expectation on a long flight is something you may want to consider. When you have a 14 hour flight and your baby is starting to feel the jet lag, having something to entertain them will calm an impending tantrum and give you some time to take a breath. I downloaded some Baby Einstein and allowed my daughter to watch when we were on the verge of a tantrum and it usually calmed her enough so she could drift off to sleep. She only ended up watching a small amount of it because the soothing music and pictures put her to sleep.

9. Be Prepared for Time Zone Changes

If you’re traveling across time zones, try to ease your baby into the new schedule by gradually adjusting sleep times before the trip. During the flight, let them eat and sleep when they are hungry and tired, I recommend letting them play as much as they can and once they start getting fussy, feed them and let them nap. We avoided a lot of tantrums that way. Once you arrive, make sure to get outside and expose your child to natural light, which can help reset their internal clock. Sticking to a strict feeding schedule once you arrive will also help them adjust faster. Also, it seems cruel, but waking them up from their naps is essential. I would only let my daughter nap for no longer than an hour and a half at a time and no sleeping past 6:00pm. This made a world of difference and she was sleeping through the night 3 days after arriving. Something else I used was an organic all natural sleep supplement that also works as a immune booster: https://amzn.to/4eoZs0N

10. Enjoy the Journey

Traveling with a baby may not be the same as when it was just the two of you, but it can be just as rewarding. Take plenty of pictures, create memories, and embrace the adventure. Your child may not remember the trip, but you will cherish the moments you spent together exploring the world. Experience the world through their eyes and go through all of their firsts with them.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with a child under the age of 2 requires a bit more preparation and patience, but with these tips, you can make the experience enjoyable for both you and your baby. Remember, every trip gets easier with practice, and each adventure brings new experiences for your family to share. Happy travels!