Essentials for travelling with a baby

Travelling with a baby involves a lot of planning to ensure you have all of the correct equipment and items to help make your little ones’, and your journey, as smooth as possible! It can be difficult to keep track of all the items that might be necessary when you’re travelling and if this is your first time away with your baby, you might be unsure on how to best prepare. Here’s a guide to the essentials for travelling with a baby and some top tips to make your journey easier.

Plan your route

If you’re travelling by car, it’s advisable to plan your journey in advance to find the safest route and prepare for any potential road closures or traffic. It can be helpful to plan your car journey around your baby’s naptime so they can sleep in the car if this is possible.

If you’ll be flying to your destination, this can be slightly trickier. However, you can still plan for the hours you’ll be on the airplane, factoring in nap and feeding times.

Schedule breaks

Babies need more regular breaks than adults on car trips. This allows them to stretch, feed and get their nappy changed. Try not to leave your baby in their car seat for longer than two hours without a break. Planning frequent stops at service stops will give you the chance to let your little one have some seat-free time, get their nappy changed and be fed depending on their schedule.

What to pack

Necessities such as nappies, wipes, formula (if applicable), extra clothes, bottles, blankets and favourite toys are all essentials when travelling with your little one. If you have limited space then only pack what you need for the journey. Here are some of our recommendations for travel essentials to pack:

Nappies

We recommend taking 1-2 nappies per hour plus extras just in case of an accident! A travel-sized changing mat, nappy cream and compact nappy bag are also a good idea to pack as you don’t know what space will be available while out and about.

Antibacterial wipes can also be useful to keep inside your travel nappy bag to make sure your baby is safe from any germs while you’re on the move. The Milton Antibacterial Surface Wipes can be used to kill 99.9% of germs when used on public facilities before use, your travel changing mat, at restaurants and more.

Milk and formula

If your baby is taking formula and you’re flying, then you can travel with milk (check with your airline for any restrictions). It can also be useful to pre-portion the formula for ease when travelling.

To keep baby bottles or accessories clean on-the-go, travel sterilisers allow you to sterilise with either a microwave or just cold water. The Milton Solo Travel Steriliser is a 2 in 1 microwave or cold water steriliser, which makes it ideal for travelling.

Alongside feeding equipment, bibs and muslin cloths are also great to pack to avoid additional messes.

Food

If your child is on solids, then packing a variety of snack options are not only a way to keep them fed but can also act as a distraction if needed. Finger foods provide your little one with a fun, yet nutritious way to stay busy. Packing extra snacks is also recommended in the case of delays or traffic, to ensure your baby doesn’t go hungry.

As a parent, it’s also important to stay fed and hydrated, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Bring yourself some snacks and drinks to maintain your energy levels while you’re travelling and caring for your child.

Toys/entertainment

Toys are an excellent way to keep your child occupied and happy while getting from A to B. Try to pack smaller, age-appropriate toys that are easy to store and are stimulating for your baby’s mind.

Clothing

Depending on your destination, layering up your child’s clothing is useful to keep them warm and comfortable if the weather is colder. With layers, you can easily remove these if there are any temperature changes.

Packing a change of clothes for your baby is recommended in case any spillages or accidents occur. You might also consider bringing yourself spare clothing too, so you have back-up if there are any messy situations.

If you have a trip planned with your family and are feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of packing all the right essentials, ticking these items off your list will cover all of the necessities. At Milton, we’re here to support your journey through parenthood, ensuring your babies stay away from germs, regardless of where you’re going.

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