Travelling abroad with a baby

The warmer weather is starting to get everyone in the mood for some well-earned vacationing. However, if you’re out of practice from overseas travel due to the pandemic, or potentially welcomed a new addition to your family in the past year or so, you may want a few extra tips on how to travel safely and easily with a little one.

Ready for the summer holiday season, we’ve researched the best advice for families travelling abroad, so that you don’t have to. Here’s all you need to know…

Travel essentials checklist

Let’s start with the essentials as this will be the fundamental element to making sure your travel plans (and beyond) run smoothly. One element includes the paperwork required for babies to be able to travel abroad, so be sure to get:

• Baby’s passport
• Baby’s birth certificate
• GP’s letter
• Child health record

In terms of essential products for your baby there is so much choice, so it can be hard to know what you will use and what you will find simply weighs you down. Firstly, think about what sort of holiday you’re going on – What is the accommodation like? Do you plan to hire a car etc?

Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll have a clearer picture on what baby items will help you on your travels. On the whole, here are some of the bigger baby items we suggest:

• Compact stroller
• Car seat (if planning to hire a car)
• Baby sling or carrier
• Travel cot
• Changing bag

Other essentials and accessories to consider:

• Sun/Play Tent
• Parasol
• Mosquito net
• Footboard (for older siblings)

NBS top picks

Having a checklist is all well and good, however if it’s product recommendations you’re looking for, you’ve come to right place! We’ve got a few amazing products perfect for family travelling, and by top brands such as BABYZEN, BabyBjorn and more.

BABYZEN YOYO2

As the very first compact stroller to fit in an aeroplane overhead locker, this compact stroller has become ever so popular with many parents loving the super compact fold, smooth ride, and light footprint. Super easy to manoeuvre down winding airport terminals and hop on and off transport, the BABYZEN YOYO2’s small frame makes it worthwhile to take on your travels.

There’s even the possibility to use the BABYZEN 0+ car seat by BeSafe to become a versatile travel system option or with adapters, the YOYO2 is compatible with other big-branded car seats including Cybex Cloud Z, Maxi Cosi Pebble Pro and Nuna PIPA LITE LX. Accessories come in abundance with the BABYZEN, so if it's a sunny break you're about to embark on, you'll have all the right tools with your YOYO. From  

BabyBjorn Cotton Mini Baby Carrier - Landscape

The BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Mini is a small and easy-to-use baby carrier that best suits newborn babies, with their great need for closeness. With  just a few adjustable buckles, this one is super easy to use and quick to put on – perfect for being on the move!means that you can quickly put it on which is perfect for on the move. 

When you carry your newborn in a baby carrier, you keep your hands free for other things which is also ideal when getting through the airport or exploring your hotel. We love the BabyBjorn Mini especially due to its small size, and soft structured fabrics that can easily be folded up and popped in a bag when not in use.

Bugaboo Stardust Travel Cot

If you’re not sure whether your travel destination provides a cot, or maybe you just prefer the thought of your little one asleep in a familiar environment, the Bugaboo Stardust Travel Cot is perfect for travelling abroad.

Thanks to its unique aerospace technology and smart design,  the Stardust offers an all-in-one, ultra-comfortable solution for both playtime and sleeping. Plus, you can open and fold the travel cot extremely easily in just 1-2 seconds ..don’t believe us? Check out our Instagram Reel of it in action!

We love that a premium carry bag and built-in mattress are included, meaning there’s less elements to transport and it’s super easy to transport.Plus, the pop-up travel cot also comes with a zip-in bed for newborns and younger babies.

Storksak Eco Cabin Changing Bag

This smart wheeled travel bag comes with a hanging organiser system which allows you to pack, hang up and use without unpacking – almost sounds too good to be true!  A perfect travel bag that fits most airline carry-on bag dimensions, it keeps you organised on short trips with your little one in tow.

If in the event you experience a toiletries related accident on your travels, this cabin bag is also water resistant, and the the wipe clean lining means the inside  always stay clean and dry. We love this cabin bag not only for the practicalities it offers to travelling with your family, but also its eco credentials being made from fully recycled polyester and plastic bottles!

Stokke JetKids

If you’re travelling with baby and a toddler and want to make sure your older child is entertained too the JetKids™ by Stokke® collection offers a premium travel friend for little ones.  Including the BedBox and CloudSleeper, the JetKids™ by Stokke® make long-haul and short-haul journeys for the whole family less stressful, well-rested, and more fun. Designed for children 3-7 years, the bed feature is best suited for children over 2 years and is officially approved by many airlines.

Fun and functional with its 23L of packing space, the BedBox™ is perfect for holding your little one’s must-haves. Plus, once packed, your toddler can ride (or pull it) through the airport terminal for stress-free transport. Once the seat belt sign is off, transform the BedBox™ from a suitcase to a bed in 5 simple steps.

Top tips for the plane

Travelling to your destination by plane? Here are some top tips to know before booking and boarding your flight with a little one:

• Check baby’s age

Confirm with your airline what age your baby can fly, with some airlines allowing travel from as young as 2-7 days old while others require them to be 2 months old.

• Book good seats

Many airlines now allow passengers to prebook their seats, which is great when you need to sit together as a family or require a little more leg room for a more active flight with a baby.

From feeding to potential nappy changes, you may be required to do a lot while sat down, so be sure to reserve good seats. This includes those towards the front of the plane as this experience less turbulence, perfect for a sleeping baby. 

• Check your on-board baggage allowance

There will be a number of baby items that you need at arm’s length even throughout the flight. Be sure not only to pack the right essentials, but that your carry on is compliant with the airlines weight limits and dimensions to avoid having to check the bag in when boarding. 

• Board first

Another thing to avoid is boarding the plane last, as this can also mean there is no room left for your overhead locker luggage. Many airlines will try to accommodate for families, but it can be a little difficult navigating the situation with a crying baby in your arms and a plane full of passengers watching on.

While it may seem slightly overwhelming, travelling further afield with your little one all comes down to preparation and a little patience. If you can, make sure to travel with another adult who can offer a helping hand, or simply take charge of the finer details of travelling such as carry the important documents and checking you in. 

But lastly, don’t forget to enjoy yourself! Once you’ve reached your destination, you’ll be able to sit back, relax and enjoy you’re (very) well-earned holiday.

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