How to travel with a baby: our tips for a smoother journey

Vacation time is coming! While fashion remains and will always be our starting point, at Kids around, we think of families first. The families who visit our stores, those who inspire us every day, and those who are traveling this summer... with a baby! Oh yes, babies—we love them, but what parent hasn't dreamed of disappearing rather than facing the disapproving looks of other passengers? (If it's your first trip with a baby, cover your ears!) A seat near a baby (or a child in general!) on a train or plane isn’t exactly the most coveted. And what about the baby? How can you ensure their comfort and keep them entertained during a long journey? What baby accessories should you bring? What baby clothes should go in the suitcase? Which destinations are best? How should you travel—by plane or train? While we can’t predict every travel mishap, we can definitely stack the odds in our favor by being well prepared. Here are our best-kept secrets.

Preparing for your trip: what you need to know before you go

Parents, don’t let anyone convince you that traveling with a baby is impossible. It’s all about preparation and organization to ensure the smoothest trip and stay possible.

First, here are a few criteria to consider when traveling with a baby:

- Accessibility: Choose direct or short flights with few stopovers, and make sure the infrastructure is baby-friendly. Forget about going to the ends of the earth unless you’re seasoned travelers. Same goes for hotels, vacation rentals, or resorts with baby services (high chairs, baby beds, changing tables, etc.).

- Mild climate: Neither too hot nor too cold — a temperate climate helps avoid extreme temperatures.

- Safety and health: A safe environment and a country with good medical services in case of need.

- Required documents: Passport or ID card, insurance, and health record.

- Baby-friendly activities: Peaceful walks and attractions that don’t require long hikes or physical strain. Restaurants with changing tables are a plus.

- Downtime: Traveling with a baby can be tiring, so don’t overbook your schedule.

- Travel light: It’s much more practical. Consider renting things locally like a stroller, baby carrier, or car seat if you're driving.

The perfect suitcase: what to pack for a trip with a baby?

At Kids around, we’ve thought about the ideal suitcase for little globetrotters in the making. Of course, it will depend a lot on the destination, duration, mode of transport, and whether you have access to a washing machine!

Generally speaking, for a 7-day trip, plan for around ten bodysuits, six or seven mix-and-match outfits, two or three pajamas including one warmer one, easy-to-slip-on cardigans, two hats (some fly off the stroller, others end up in the water), and baby sunglasses…

Baby clothes (adapted to the destination’s climate):

- 10 bodysuits

- 3 pajamas (including one warmer)

- 6 mix-and-match outfits

- 3 cardigans or fleeces that are easy to slip on

- 2 hats or beanies (depending on the season and destination), one pair of sunglasses

- 4 to 7 pairs of socks (depending on the destination), 2 pairs of shoes (open and closed), 1 pair of slippers

- Bath cape or towel

Sleeping bag or sleep sack: for cooler nights or if there’s no suitable bed at your accommodation

Baby's food:

- Infant formula if not breastfeeding

- Several bottles and nipples depending on feeding frequency

- Bottled water (for the trip, then buy locally)

- Baby food jars or fruit purées if baby eats solids

- Small insulated bag to keep meals at the right temperature

- Bottle brush to clean bottles and nipples thoroughly

Baby's toys:

Don't forget their comfort toy!

Their toys: sensory toys like rattles, light fabric or silicone toys, stacking toys, fabric books with different textures or books with simple images or animals baby can recognize, etc.

Nursery rhymes or soft songs can also soothe them and become a little game

Their foldable play mat: useful if you're spending time at a hotel or rental and want a clean space to play

Baby hygiene and care products:

- Baby wipes: practical and quick for diaper changes or cleaning

- Diapers: enough for the whole trip plus a few extras (rest to buy locally)

- Diaper cream, baby lotion or oil, gentle body wash and shampoo

- First aid kit: baby paracetamol, bandages, thermometer

- Baby brush or comb

Traveling with a baby by plane: tips for a smooth flight

While you can’t predict every unexpected moment on a flight with a baby, you can prepare a well-stocked diaper bag: enough diapers, wipes, bottles, pacifiers, and snacks for the flight. Also pack a change of clothes for both baby and yourself in case of spit-up or little accidents. Don’t forget their comforting lovey and a small blanket — useful for both of you.

One of the main challenges when flying with a baby, regardless of age, is ear pressure during takeoff and landing. Giving them a bottle, breastfeeding, or a pacifier at these times can help them swallow and relieve the pressure. It also helps reduce discomfort and potential pain.

For more on food, care, and entertainment, refer to the “perfect suitcase” above.

By car or by train: tips for a comfortable journey

When it comes to food and entertainment, the same tips apply as for plane travel, but safety, comfort, and travel rhythm differ.

If you're wondering what to dress baby in for a journey, think comfort: choose soft, stretchy clothes suitable for the outside temperature. Avoid tight or bulky items, like heavy coats, which can disrupt a proper harness fit.

The car temperature shouldn’t be too hot or too cold. Use a light blanket to keep them warm if needed, but don't overdress them. And protect their seat from sun exposure with a sunshade.

For long trips with kids, it’s important to take breaks every two hours or so to let the baby move and rest. You can also feed them or change their diaper during these stops.

Finally, never leave the baby alone in the car—even for a few minutes, and even if they are strapped in—especially in very hot or cold weather. Temperature can quickly become dangerous.

At your destination: enjoy your holiday with baby

Traveling with a baby means adapting to their rhythm: sleep, naps, meals. While it's fine to deviate from your usual routine on vacation, giving your baby some structure remains important (for them and for you!).

Avoid overloading the days and favor calm ones with one or two activities per day. This allows you to relax and avoids stressing the baby with a tight schedule.

Take time to unwind too. Enjoy hotel amenities like the pool or spa, or settle into a cozy corner to read or watch a movie while your baby naps or plays.

If you're by the sea, enjoy the beach with your baby, but make sure the spot is safe and suitable (fine sand, gentle waves).

Some destinations offer museums or family-friendly venues with play areas or interactive exhibits. Same for restaurants—choose places with high chairs, kids' menus, or family spaces.

The best destinations to travel with a baby

If France remains the most accessible and offers wonderful places to explore, here are some baby-friendly foreign destinations:

- The Balearic Islands (Spain) offer beautiful beaches, baby-friendly hotels, and direct flights from many European cities.

- Tuscany (Italy) is ideal if you're looking for a quieter European destination with beautiful landscapes, charming villages, and delicious food.

- The Canary Islands (Spain) have pleasant weather year-round with moderate temperatures.

- The Amalfi Coast (Italy) is stunning with its cliffside scenery and picturesque villages.

- The Azores (Portugal) offer beautiful nature, volcanic landscapes, and a mild climate.

- Ireland is a unique and very family-friendly destination with lots of nature to explore at a peaceful pace.

- Morocco can be a great option for a different experience, especially in seaside resorts like Agadir or the medina of Marrakech.

- Quebec is an excellent option if you prefer a more distant destination.

- In France, destinations like Nice, Cannes, or Aix-en-Provence are perfect for a family getaway.

In summary

- Good organization will help you approach travel more calmly

- Whatever the mode of transport, make sure to pack a light suitcase with all baby’s essentials: food, care, clothes, entertainment

- For long car or train journeys, take a break every two hours

- For air travel, help baby swallow during take-off and landing to ease pressure

- Choose safe destinations with moderate climates and baby-friendly facilities

- Follow baby’s rhythm (naps and meals) while also enjoying your family vacation. It's all about finding the right balance to rest and recharge