Travelling with a newborn to eight-month-old

How can I keep my baby happy when travelling?

Making sure you are both feeling calm and rested is a good start. Try to make sure you and your baby get plenty of sleep before you set off.

Along with her food and drink, take a bag containing a few of your baby’s favourite toys, plus a couple of new ones. Possible playthings can include:
anything shiny
baby-proof mirrors
rattles
musical toys
soft animals
pop-ups
plastic keys
teething rings


How can I feed my baby when travelling?

Breastfeeding is very convenient when travelling as you don’t need to pack any equipment.

If you are formula-feeding, you can buy convenient travel-sized packs of ready-made formula at most chemists and supermarkets. Or you could bring an insulated flask of boiled water, portions of formula powder, and sterilised bottles and teats. Then you can make a feed whenever your baby wants one.

Sterilising bottles may take a little organising, but travel bottle sterilisers and pre-sterilised bottle liners are available in many shops.

Your baby’s milk and food is not subject to the same maximum restrictions as other liquids for aeroplane cabin baggage. You are allowed to carry enough for your baby’s journey. Find out more in our travel tips for families.

If your baby is eating solids, pop a few well-wrapped jars and sachets of baby food into your luggage. You should be able to buy food when you’re away, unless you are going somewhere really exotic. However, a few favourite flavours will help your baby settle. Lots of bibs are also essential for catching all that pureed sweet potato!

How can I keep my baby safe when travelling in the car?

Take the same careful approach to safety as you do at home. Follow these safety steps:
Get some removable window shades for your car to shield your baby’s skin and eyes from the sun.
Make sure your baby’s car seat is properly installed and that the seatbelts, if used, are correctly threaded. Your baby should travel in a rear-facing car seat installed on the back seat of your car. Never place your baby’s car seat on the front seat of a car with an activated passenger air bag.
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