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It should take around three weeks for the passport to arrive, but if you need it quicker you may have to use a fast track service. Can I bring baby milk on the plane? When travelling with a baby you’re allowed to take enough baby food, breast milk, formula milk, cow’s milk or soya milk and sterilised water for the journey, even if it is over 100ml. They must be in a baby bottle and you may be asked to taste the liquids at the security point. Most airlines will also heat up baby food or milk on the plane too. Does my baby get their own seat on the plane and luggage allowance? On most airlines, infants must sit on their parents' laps during the flight, although you can buy a seat. Usually your baby will have a 10kg hold luggage allowance but no hand luggage allowance, so anything your baby might need like milk, nappies and wipes must be carried in the parents' hand luggage. Any medicine for your baby over 100ml, can also be placed in your hand luggage but you must have documentation for it.
Individual sachets of Calpol are ideal to bring for your baby. What do I do with my pushchair or buggy at the airport? Most airports including Liverpool John Lennon let you bring your buggy up to the gate, and then it is put into the hold, check with the airline if you can do this. It is probably best to use a lightweight pushchair which is easy to collapse and is not part of a travel system which comes in two parts. That way, it will be a lot easier to get it through the X-ray machine in security. Most airlines will also let you check your pushchair for free. Do I need to bring a car seat with me? In the UK, it is a legal requirement for your infant to travel in a car seat, it is the same in most countries, although this doesn't apply to taxis. You can book a taxi in advance with a car seat from the destination airport to your hotel, but you can bring your own if you feel more comfortable doing so. Once again, most airlines allow you to check your car seat for free. Do I need to bring a travel cot?
Most resort accommodations will supply a cot for your room and if you're already bringing a buggy and car seat you may get asked to pay to check your travel cot. What should I take on the plane? Your baby's favourite toy or book should keep them entertained or for older children a portable DVD player, so they can watch their favourite film. How can I protect my baby from the heat? Make sure you use a Factor 50 sunscreen on your baby. Also a swimsuit that covers their back, arms and legs is also recommended together with a hat which fully covers their head and neck. You should also think about buying a parasol for your pram or a UV shade which will cover your baby while they are sleeping in their buggy. What do I need for the pool? Don't forget to bring swimming nappies for your baby, so she can paddle in the water without you having to worry about any accidents? What do I need when I'm out and about? A lightweight pushchair will be great when you're walking around, but on the beach it may be difficult to push in the sand so why not bring a baby carrier or sling, this will also free up you hands.
If you have a toddler who is walking, you may want to invest in a pair of reins so you can keep you little one close by. Hopefully, you'll find this checklist handy, but remember the most important thing is to enjoy your first holiday with your baby and create memories you will treasure forever! When is my baby old enough to travel? What’s the best way to transport my baby? What do I need to pack for my baby when we’re going away? How can I keep my baby happy when travelling? How can I feed my baby when travelling? How can I keep my baby safe when travelling in the car? How can I keep my baby happy when travelling by plane? Like many parents, you probably don’t want to go anywhere except home with your new baby. She needs lots of attention and feeds, so travelling long distances and going on holiday can be difficult to manage. And you may be feeling exhausted, too. But enjoyable travel is possible, and we have some tips to help things go smoothly for you.
Your baby can travel soon after she’s born. Most airlines prefer babies to be at least two days old, but after that, it’s up to you. Bear in mind that your baby will need a passport and, if necessary, a visa. It's also important to make sure she's covered by your travel insurance. And if she has a different surname from you, see official travel advice for what extra documents you need to take. Young babies generally make good travellers if they feel cuddled and secure and are feeding regularly. The movement and activity often helps them sleep, too! You may want to think twice before embarking on any long journeys if your baby has colic, is tongue tied, or you are feeling overwhelmed with new parenthood. If you feel you don’t yet have a moment to spare between feeding and changing your baby, perhaps wait a few weeks until you are feeling more settled. By three months, you and your baby are more likely to be ready to travel. Your baby is no longer as fragile, but she’s still small enough to not mind whether her bed is at home or in a hotel room, or being cuddled close to you.
Once your baby is mobile or has established a routine, which is usually around seven months to nine months, travel can become a greater challenge. Choosing the right travel gear will certainly help smooth the journey and make it easier to explore your destination once you arrive. If you are flying, a front carrier or baby sling is an ideal way to transport your baby when she is tiny. Being carried close to you or your partner will make her feel safe. Babywearing also makes travelling much easier on trains and buses. Using a sling keeps your hands free, so you can delve for passports, find money for fares, and carry bags – all while you hold your baby snugly. If your baby is very young, a travel system with a car seat that fits on to the pushchair chassis may be the best option. It takes some of the hassle out of getting in and out of cars and aeroplanes, and means you can move your baby from the car to a cafe, from the plane to the arrivals lounge without disturbing her sleep.
However, many systems take up quite a lot of space and are probably not the best option if you live in a tiny flat or you do not use a car. In this situation, a lightweight, umbrella-folding pushchair is a useful alternative. Fold-away pushchairs take up much less space than travel systems and can fit in the smallest car boot. They are also very practical when travelling by plane. Some versions also have car seats that can be attached to them, providing the best of both worlds. Make sure the model you choose is suitable from birth with a seat that lies flat. Some models are only suitable for babies from six months when they can sit up. If you’re travelling by plane, your baby can ride in her pushchair to the aircraft door when it is usually put in the hold. Make sure you get a luggage tag for it at check-in. What do I need to pack for my baby when we’re going away?If you are booking a holiday and your baby usually sleeps in a cot, do ask for one when you make your reservation.
Discovering there is no cot when you arrive at your destination with a tired baby is not a good start to a holiday.If you take along your own travel cot, pack a sheet and your baby’s cover. The familiar smell of your laundry may help settle your baby when you’re away.If you are buying a carrycot for your travel system, consider choosing one that is suitable for overnight sleeping. Not all of them are. It will be easier than taking a travel cot when your baby is small. At home, you can use the carrycot instead of a Moses basket. If your baby wakes when the sun rises, pack a travel blackout blind or blackout curtains. Not all rooms have thick curtains or shutters.If you’re travelling somewhere hot, a baby sun pod will keep your baby shielded from the wind and the sun. Make sure your pushchair has a sun canopy or umbrella, too.You may also want to take a plug-in baby monitor or night-light with you, which is useful for settling your baby back to sleep in an unfamiliar room. You may need a plug adapter, too.
Take along a couple of her favourite toys and books. Stacker cups are brilliant as they can double up as bath toys.If your baby likes a bath as part of her evening routine, a universal bath plug is very useful. It will turn a shower into a bath. Or you can put socks over the taps and bathe her in the basin.And of course, take along your camera to capture all the fun! Along with the above, you will also need to remember all the usual baby supplies, which may include:nappieswipesnappy rash creamchanging matsunhat and sunscreentissuescar seatbibsfirst-aid kitbreast pumptravel steriliser kitclothestoysbottlesformula milk It’s worth packing a basic first-aid kit with supplies of plasters and infant paracetamol for relieving a fever. If you are travelling overseas or going to an area a long way from shops, you may want to consider taking other items, such as a colic treatment, saline nose drops for stuffy noses, and teething gel. See our first-aid kit checklist for more ideas. 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 shinybaby-proof mirrorsrattlesmusical toyssoft animalspop-upsplastic keysteething ringsHow 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 seat belts, 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.Never smoke when your baby is in the car.
It's actually illegal to smoke in a car with anyone under 18 present, because of the dangers of second-hand smoke in such an enclosed space.How can I keep my baby happy when travelling by plane?Feed your baby during take-off and landing to ease any earache. Give her a change of scenery from her seat when you can. Walk her about the plane or train and let her look out of the window. Unless she’s asleep, lay her down safely and let her kick her legs at least every couple of hours. Do ensure she is drinking enough during the journey. It’s easy to become dehydrated when travelling. Planning to travel with your older baby or toddler? Read our article on travelling with an eight to 15-month-old. Track your baby’s development Join now to receive free weekly newsletters tracking your baby’s development and yours throughout your pregnancy. Enter your due date or child's birthday Enter your email address Privacy policy & terms Support for your parenting journey.