Tips for Traveling with an Infant

Something we’re becoming quite accustomed to at this point in our lives is traveling with an infant. Our baby girl is now a year old and after road trips, weekend trips and day trips, I feel like we have learned a lot about traveling with an infant, especially road tripping. It was so intimidating when we first thought about trying to take this on, but we have settled into it. It is very different and has its own added stresses, but it’s so worth it. From planning and preparing to hitting the road these hopefully these tips will help make it easier.

Set Expectations Low

I think the first thing to do before planning or taking any trip with your infant, especially the very first one, is to set your expectations low. Don’t expect your trip to go as smoothly as it would’ve when you were just traveling solo or with your partner. The unexpected will happen. Babies cry, babies eat a lot, babies poop, babies spit up. It is what it is and as long as you bear in mind that they’re experiencing something new too, the trip will automatically go better than expected.

Create a Master Packing List

This is something I’ve just recently learned to do. I kept going back and referencing old packing lists in my notebook, since we took several in a few months time and I decided to type up a master packing list. Then, I just add or remove things as she gets older, print it out and add in handwritten notes of more detailed info. It’s so handy!

Consider Traveling with Extended Family

Traveling with your family or even a close friend can make it seem like you’re not in it alone. We took three trips (Asheville, Gulf Shores & Zion) with our families last year and it made it a lot easier. There were extra hands to hold her while we weren’t in our normal space. It was also great because on the last trip, my mom was able to watch Charleigh while we got out and did more strenuous hikes.

Pack Essentials Nearby

I cannot express enough how important this is. When we were road tripping, we put all the things we know we’re sure to need on top or within reach. This means all things for diaper changes, snacks and food (when the time comes for that), milk/formual/pumping supplies and a little pouch of toys and other fun things to keep your little ones occupied.

And Probably Pack Some Extra Essentials to Keep in the Car/Diaper Bag

Any time we get in the car, we try to make sure that we’re stocked in case of accidents: an extra onesie/outfit, an extra meal’s worth of food, a couple more diapers than you think you might need. Plus, pack some extra essentials for yourselves as well. Keep extra snacks for you (things might take longer than you expect), pack an extra shirt (sometimes blowouts get *real*) and anything else you think you might need to help keep your sanity.

Allot Way More Time

Pre-Charleigh, Matt and I would crank out a 12-hour drive and still do a hike or two in the same day. Now, those long driving days are slower-going. We have to stop every couple of hours to change diapers, give snacks and let Charleigh move around, which is so important. Now, we try to shorten those drives doing 8-10 hours tops. That doesn’t seem like much of a difference, but that’s just drive time. So that cuts out the 2-4 hours of drive-time and one or two 30-45 minute stops. So that takes an easy three to five hours that you can take off. If you can go further, great, but set those expectations much lower.

Road Trip, If Possible

To be fair, we didn’t fly with an infant, but I can’t even imagine attempting to get all the things we needed for her on an airplane. Between her carseat, her stroller, her basinet, her pack n play and and every other little thing I don’t know how we could’ve done it. I’m so glad we road tripped where we could have all the comforts of home at our fingertips.

Plan Your Days Based on Different Factors

Again, because you have a baby, travel won’t look the same. You have to take into account that babies can’t regulate their temperature. So, in the summer you may have to start your day earlier. In the winter, you may have to wait for temps to rise. Plus, activities will need to be a bit more thought-out. We did a beach trip not thinking about how Charleigh might hate the sand and the water. Plus, that meant we couldn’t really get in the water, especially together. We also have to look into hikes even more. We have to see if there will be scrambles, narrow ledges or if it’s rated difficult. Just be mindful and set those expectations, that way you’re sure to still have an amazing time!

These Products Made Traveling So Much Easier

Obviously, every baby is different and every experience is different. That said, these are products that were just simply lifesavers for us while traveling. Some entertained Charleigh, some helped us stay organized and some helped with “life” moments for Charleigh.

We hope that this post helps soon-to-be parents or new parents to feel encouraged that you truly can travel just as much with your little ones. It’s a special time in life, but it can also be quite a transition for parents. We were afraid we’d have to stop traveling, but we’ve found that traveling with an infant can be just as (if not more) rewarding. Trust us, at 1-year old, we’ve already taken Charleigh to 14 states and 8 National Parklands. Plus all the cities, towns and state parks in between. So get out there and enjoy this beautiful world with your little one.

Did You Enjoy This Post? PIN IT So Others Can Too!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase with Amazon through For the Love of Wanderlust, you will help me stay on the road + keep my site running at no additional cost for you.  Be sure to read the terms + conditions of these sites when purchasing!