Travelling with kids

Your travel life needn't grind to a halt just because you've become a parent. But the reality is, much of your trip will be spent soothing and entertaining your baby. So much for dreamily staring out the window and taking in the passing scene.

But while travel will never be the same, it has its upside as well. You may discover the world is a friendlier place than you knew. There's no easier way to meet people than with a baby in your lap. And if you keep in mind the cardinal rule for traveling parents — create a home away from home wherever possible — it may become an experience you can all enjoy.

Here are some strategies for making travel with your baby a success, contributed by family travel authors, pediatricians, child development experts, and fellow parents.

Where to go?

We've consulted six leading family travel experts and come up with these winning family-travel destinations:

Bed-and-breakfasts

Beach scenes

Big cities

Bike touring

Family camps

Family resorts

Nature camps

But you'll want to avoid these activities with your little one: rafting, theme parks, foreign travel, some country inns, and long stays with friends.

What to bring?

We'll help you organize your trip with our packing checklists for your baby or toddler. You'll also want to print out a first-aid kit for the road, and an emergency checklist — just in case you run into trouble.

Create a home away from home

Once you get to your destination, consult our ten tips to help your baby adjust:

Bring a blankie and cuddly toy

Start — and end — your day early

Establish a routine and stick to it

Eat familiar foods

Stay close to home base

Schedule running-around time for toddlers

Expect the adjustment to take several days

and to help you cope. Finally, you'll find answers to your questions about traveling with small children, such as traveling with a baby if she's colicky or has an ear infection, where to rent strollers, how to babyproof a hotel room, and more. For more, see below:

Bedding down

No one sleeps like a baby, and babies generally sleep very well on the road. The rocking, lurching, chugging motions usually knock them right out. Still, having a familiar bed or bed gear reassures infants and small children. For infants, we travel with a small portable crib that can fit under our legs on public transportation, or on our laps. We've also used (and like) little zip-up buntings that keep baby in a cozy, manageable bundle.

By the time the baby is six months old, it's time to graduate to a portable crib. Portable cribs are also very handy for taking to the beach or pool.

A familiar blanket and toy can make all the difference for traveling children. As they get older, they can continue to treasure their favorite blanket.

Getting around

We like child-carrying backpacks for traveling with kids up to 3 years old. Also, you should travel with the lightest umbrella stroller, which we push right onto the plane and store in the overhead compartment. Wheeling the baby or toddler aboard can really save your back on a half-mile long concourse.

We find it much more convenient and cost-effective to take our own car seats with us on vacation. They are also handy for keeping junior in one place in the hotel rooms during feedings and quiet time.

Diapers

It’s best to travel with at least a dozen cloth diapers for when you settle down in a spot. Disposable diapers can be very expensive in developing countries, so we recommend starting out with a good supply from home. Don't forget the rubber pants, and carry a packet of wipes and rash cream in your day bag to make diaper changes easier. We like creams containing Vitamins A and D because they're good for sunburn and other skin irritations as well.

Clothing

Keep it simple and keep it to the minimum, for both you and baby. You can expect to be doing some laundry every few days anyway, so why burden yourself with too many changes of clothes? We usually figure on four changes of clothes, two sets of pajamas, one dress-up outfit and an all purpose jacket, suited to the climate you're traveling in. Add socks, underwear, one pair of shoes and a swimsuit, and you're ready to go. For maximum convenience, take mix-and-match separates in dark and bright colors. In hot climates, all cotton is definitely more comfortable. Be sure to bring a hat that protects baby from the sun. Pack the bags, and then don't worry about it. If you find you're missing some crucial item, you can always pick it up along the way, for a more intimate souvenir.

Toys

Take a few small favorites and maybe a favorite book. When those toys have lost their appeal, stop in at a local toy store and buy new playthings along the way. Check them out closely, however, as safety standards vary.