It’s the night before our first trip with the baby, and my anxiety is as high as the plane we’ll be on in just a few hours. I’m running through notes in my phone and last-minute to-dos in my head—praying I thought of everything and triple-checking that I didn’t forget anything. No one really tells you how hard it is to travel with a baby, regardless of their age. From the newborn stage to the toddler years, it feels like at least 50 extra things need to be accounted for. Whether that’s breast pumps and bottles or car seats and strollers. Needless to say, this is the blog post I wish I had before our first trip. I did the hard work so you don’t have to… you’re welcome 😅.

Start With the Basics (Then Double Them)

First things first: anything you use on a daily basis, you’ll want extras of—and you’ll want them in multiple, easy-to-access places. For example, if your little one uses a pacifier, put one in the diaper bag, one in your purse, and of course… one on the baby at all times. This is exactly why we created our Travel Essentials Checklist for Moms—so you don’t have to rely on memory alone when you’re packing on little sleep. You can download it [here] and customize it based on your baby’s age and needs.

Invest in the Right Gear (It Matters More Than You Think)

Do your research and find the most convenient all-in-one car seat and stroller. They can be pricey, but I promise—they’re worth every penny. You’ll really appreciate it when you’re going from car → train → plane → Uber → hotel… whew, I’m stressed just thinking about it. Having an all-in-one option helps you pack lighter and makes transitions so much smoother. I bought the [insert product name] on a whim the day before our first trip, and it was honestly one of the smartest purchases I made that entire year. If your little one has already transitioned to a larger car seat, make sure you have a collapsible stroller that can be gate-checked or stored in an overhead bin. you can find our Vill-approved travel gear favorites linked in our Amazon storefront [here].

Once You’re on the Plane… Congratulations !

You made it! The fun has just begun. If you have a breastfeeding or bottle-fed baby, try to feed them right at takeoff. The sucking motion helps prevent ear popping—and there’s a good chance they’ll fall asleep shortly after. Enjoy the peace… until they wake up. If your baby wakes up—or you have a toddler who fights sleep like it’s a competitive sport—snacks and activities will be your best friends. We’ve rounded up The Vill moms’ favorite travel toys, books, and snacks in our Amazon storefront to make this part easier.

Trust Yourself (You Know Your Child Best)

No matter how much advice you read, you know your child better than anyone. Make a list of what your child needs and think through how it will work logistically for your trip. Try to anticipate triggers based on their current habits, routines, and personality—and plan around those as best you can.

Consider What You Can Access at Your Destination

There are also resources available once you arrive that can impact how much you pack. For example, I tend to pack a small air mattress for my baby because he prefers his own space—but you can also rent items like cribs, high chairs, and toys through third-party services like BabyQuip. Check out our related blog post [link] for a full breakdown of what you can rent vs. what you should bring, so you’re not overpacking unnecessarily.

I’m still new to this, so tell me—what did I miss?

What are your favorite baby travel tips or must-have gadgets?

And if you want this information all in one place, be sure to download our Traveling With Baby Digital Guide and browse our Amazon storefront for Vill-approved essentials that make traveling with little ones just a bit easier.

Safe Travels,

Kayla