Travel with baby
Travelling with a baby or toddler
A long-haul trip with a little one? You can, and it's wonderful
When we travelled through Thailand for five weeks with our six-month-old daughter, we mostly got questions. Isn't that hard? Is it safe? My answer: with good preparation and the right places, it's one of the most beautiful trips you can take. Here I share what I learned.
Why Asia
Why Southeast Asia is so good with a little one
People adore children
Your baby gets greeted everywhere, and often held for a moment. It opens doors and conversations.
Food children love
Rice, noodles, fresh fruit and soups. There's always something your little one will eat too.
Places with space
For a good price you'll find a house or villa with a private pool, so you can enjoy yourself during naps too.
Tips
What I learned
General tips from experience. For medical advice, such as vaccinations, always see a travel clinic or your GP.
Preparation
- Your baby needs their own passport: apply in good time
- Book an appointment at a travel clinic for advice and vaccinations
- Check that your travel insurance properly covers your child
Flying
- Request a bassinet (baby cot) when you book your seats
- Let your baby drink or suck a dummy during take-off and landing
- A night flight is often a sleep flight too
Sleeping
- Bring a pop-up travel cot or ask for a cot in advance
- A blackout cover helps with daytime naps
- Keep the bedtime routine the same as at home
Heat and sun
- Plan outings in the morning and late afternoon
- UV swimwear and a hat with a neck flap
- Make sure your little one drinks enough
On the road
- Keep travel days short, ideally one move per day
- A baby carrier is handier than a pushchair at temples and on paths
- Car seats aren't standard everywhere: arrange one in advance
Food
- Rice, noodles and fruit are available almost everywhere
- In Thailand, ask for 'mai phet': not spicy
- Bring a few familiar snacks for the first days
Packing list
What I'd bring (and what to leave at home)
A basic list to start with. My favourite products, with links, will follow later.
On the road
- Baby carrier
- Lightweight, foldable pushchair
- Changing bag with mat
Sleeping
- Pop-up travel cot with mosquito net
- Blackout cover or clips
- White noise machine or app
Sun and water
- UV swimsuit and sun hat
- Baby sunscreen
- Reusable swim nappies
Leave at home
- The big pram
- Lots of toys: a few favourites is enough
- Nappies for the whole trip: you can buy them everywhere
Blog
Blogs about travelling with a baby
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Coming soonPlan your trip with your little one together?
In a free 20-minute intro call we'll look at what's possible. No obligation, just a friendly chat.
