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Out and about with your baby

Whether you’re just going out for the day or heading overseas on a two-week holiday, travelling with a young baby or toddler is hard work. However, a little preparation can make all the difference to your journey.


What to take

Wherever you’re travelling with your baby, you’ll need to take supplies with you so you can feed, change and amuse him on the move.

Most parents find that even short journeys are made easier if you keep everything you need to hand in your baby bag. You can buy special baby bags that help you by sectioning and storing all your bits and pieces but any large bag will do - though it’s useful if there’s at least one or two partitions in it.

What to put in your bag

  • Spare nappy (two for a short trip, more for longer)
  • Baby wipes - great for faces and hands as well as bottoms
  • Something clean and foldable such as a small towel to use as a changing mat (most baby bags incorporate a mat of their own)
  • Two plastic bags for used nappies and/or clothing
  • Feeding equipment. If your baby is bottle-fed you’ll find ready-to-feed formula easier than making up bottles away from home. Transporting a made-up bottle is okay for an hour or so, if you can keep it cool. Older babies need a cup with a sealable lid, plus a snack
  • Rattles and small toys
  • Books and activities for older babies and toddlers
  • Spare outfit (nappies have a habit of leaking at the most inconvenient times)

If you're travelling abroad with your baby check our our holiday essentials feature – we’ll tell you what nappies, formula and baby food you can get in dozens of countries to help you cut down on that baggage.

Keeping your baby happy and comfortable

Unless you’re lucky and find your child sleeps most of the journey, be prepared to make occasional stops in the car, or take walks up and down the aisle in a train, plane or coach.

All babies over a few months old can get very bored on any journey - and toddlers can be desperately irritable if they’re not entertained most of the time they’re awake. However you travel, take a supply of suitable (preferably non-sticky) snacks and, most importantly, drinks with you. If your journey’s a long one it’s worth investing in one or two small surprise toys for older babies and toddlers as they will hold their interest for longer.

If you’re planning a holiday, contact your travel agent, tour operator or the company providing your transport well in advance and ask what special arrangements they offer.

Remember - babies and children going abroad for the first time now need their own passport, with photograph. However, if your child is already on your passport, there’s no need to get a separate one.