Traveling with a Baby for the First Time: Tips from Two Seasoned Adventurers and Doulas

Travel has always been woven into the fabric of who we are. From Kelsey's solo-backpacking years where she found her doula purpose to soaking in the beauty of Oaxaca on our Writer's Retreat together to road trips along California’s winding coast—we’ve always embraced the joy of exploration.

And then came motherhood. Traveling with a baby is a different kind of adventure—one layered with new rhythms, deeper meaning and yes, a bit more planning. But it’s just as magical.

Between the two of us, we’ve seen it all: Rori’s early days of nannying and traveling with littles built her calm, capable spirit. And Kelsey’s 13-month-old son? Already a frequent flyer with passport stamps and sky miles to his name. As doulas, we bring a centered, intuitive approach to everything we do—including those sometimes chaotic, always sacred moments of traveling with babies.

If you’re preparing for your first trip with your little one, take heart: You’ve got this. Truly. It’s not about curating the “perfect” travel experience—it’s about embracing the adventure, surrendering to the mess and leaning into the beauty that unfolds in between.

One of our favorite mantras? Your baby adapts to your lifestyle—not the other way around. Your travel days aren’t over when you become a parent; they’ve just begun to take on a new kind of magic.

Here’s how to make your first trip with a baby smooth, joyful and filled with sweet memories.

1. Adopt a Relaxed, Open-Hearted Approach

Let go of perfection. Release the need for rigid plans. Traveling with a baby won’t mirror your pre-parent days, and that’s part of the beauty. Naps might happen in carriers or strollers, mealtimes may shift and your timeline may stretch in unexpected ways—but you’ll still arrive, and more importantly, you’ll enjoy getting there.

Kelsey has now traveled solo with her baby twice—and while it came with its own challenges, she absolutely loves that she has a built-in travel companion for all of life’s adventures.

Babies are little energy readers. If you’re grounded and flexible, they’ll pick up on that. Would we ideally want our babies crawling on airport floors? Not really. But will they get their wiggles out and giggle while doing it? Absolutely. And sometimes, those imperfect moments become the best memories. (Rori still laughs about the time her niece had a blowout so epic, the flight attendants handed over gin to disinfect the seat—true story.)

2. Pack Light, Pack Smart

The golden rule: bring the essentials, leave the rest. It’s so easy to fall down the rabbit hole of “what ifs” and overstuff your bags. Trust your intuition. You know what comforts your baby. You know what supports you. The rest is just extra baggage.

Traveling light at the airport with baby in carrier.

Here are a few of our tried-and-true favorites:

Snacks and easy meals: Think easy-to-grab, minimal-mess and a variety to keep things fun. Packing a soft cooler just for snacks and milk is essential (and also free with most airlines) and little snack boxes packed inside can double as entertainment. When there isn't a tray available, we love to put the snacks directly into babe's silicone bib and Serenity Kids pouches are an absolute go-to for us—they’re protein-packed, nourishing, organic and perfect for travel days.
Comfort items: Don’t forget the lovey, blanket or a few special toys. We love packing cubes for keeping everything organized—and yes, include a change of clothes for everyone in your carry-on backpack. Trust us.
Gear: A compact stroller or cozy carrier can be a game-changer for travel days. If you can, have larger items like cribs or car seats waiting for you at your destination to simplify things. If not, car seats and strollers gate check for free when boarding with most airlines (pro tip: stuff some extra bulky diaper packs in the car seat carry-on bag).
Diaper hacks: Get a fresh diaper change right before boarding, even if it’s just a top-off. Starting the flight fresh helps everyone. We’re obsessed with Coterie diapers—they’re soft, super absorbent and offer a pull-on “pants” version, making them ideal for long travel days.
Extras: Doggy bags are perfect for dirty diapers on the go and plastic tray table covers work wonders for messy little eaters. We love the Beis Backpack Diaper Bag—easy to open, organized and ideal for mid-flight grabbing.
Airport tips: Use family restrooms—they’re more spacious and calmer. Let your baby stretch and play near the windows during layovers—it’s stimulating and calming for your little one while offering you a moment to enjoy your coffee and a quick meal before boarding time.

3. Time Feedings with Takeoff and Landing

Pressure changes during flights can make little ears uncomfortable. Feeding your baby during takeoff and landing—whether breastfeeding, bottle-feeding or offering a pacifier—can help ease the transition. If you're nursing, notice when your ears start to pop—that’s your cue to begin. The sucking motion helps equalize pressure and soothe discomfort naturally.

We also recommend babywearing during boarding and deplaning (and even throughout the flight as you walk the aisles!) with your favorite carrier—our go-to is the Tula, which keeps baby snug and your hands free. And a gentle travel hack—unless you really need that extra time, consider boarding last or close to last. Those early boarding calls for families with small children sound helpful, but often lead to 20–40 extra minutes of keeping your baby entertained on the plane before takeoff.

If your flight is super early, keep your little one in their pajamas—there’s something comforting about staying cozy and it makes transitioning back into sleep easier. Plus, fewer outfit changes = fewer stressors.

Baby in pjs in airplane seat with diaper backpack next to him.

4. Accept Help and Give Yourself Grace

This one’s big. You don’t have to do it all. Traveling with a baby invites you to soften into your community—even if that community is a kind stranger offering to lift your bag or a fellow mama offering comfort by smiling knowingly from across the gate. If you spot another parent, don’t hesitate to ask for help. They get it. And they’ve got you.

If your baby cries, it’s okay. You are not a disruption. You are a parent doing your best, and most people get it. Babies cry, and you are not alone in that moment. Extend yourself the same grace you’d offer a friend.

Crawlers and walkers love strolling the aisles, waving at passengers and sharing joy. Many flight attendants even keep little treats on hand or will offer to hold your sweet babe—don’t be shy to ask!

5. Build In Extra Time and Gentle Expectations

Give yourself the gift of extra time. Leave earlier. Plan buffer stops. And most importantly, release the pressure to make the day go “just so.” Travel with littles is about surrendering to the moment.

Take shifts with your partner when possible so you’re both getting moments of rest—traveling as a team can be a beautiful balancing act. And when you’re traveling solo? Book a little something just for you when you return home—a postpartum massage or a cozy bath night to refill your cup. You deserve it.

And yes—co-sleep while traveling if that works for your family. Sleep arrangements can shift on the road, and there’s something sweet and grounding about that closeness when you're in a new space.

Parenthood teaches us to embrace the slow, to see the sacred in the simple. Some naps happen on the go, and that’s beautiful. Let your carrier or stroller become a cozy, mobile nap spot.

6. Let the World Unfold Through Their Eyes

Traveling with a baby invites you to experience the world anew. Suddenly, you notice the way light hits the trees, the hum of a new language, the laughter echoing in a park across the world.

Your baby teaches you to slow down and delight in the now. Yes, you’ll stop at more playgrounds than you will be checking out local cocktail bars, but those are the memories that stay with you. And yes, you may miss a reservation or two—but you’ll gain the soul-deep joy of watching your little one marvel at something for the first time.

Hike with your baby on your back. Splash in the fountain. Dance barefoot in the plaza. And if anyone tells you traveling with a baby is “too hard,” smile and thank them for their concern—but know that you are capable of writing your own story.

Baby playing in airport window watching planes board.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Adventure

Your first trip with a baby might be a little messy, a little wild and a whole lot memorable. Approach it with a sense of wonder, a gentle heart and the knowing that you are enough. You’re writing a story your baby will carry in their bones: that the world is good, that love goes where we go and that adventure is always worth it.

So pack your bags, breathe deep and go. The world is waiting—and now, you get to see it through your baby’s eyes. What could be more magical than that?

With love and travel joy,

Kelsey Scott and Aurora Sullivan, Birth and Postpartum Doula, Childbirth Educator and Soul Shine Birth Co-Founder