Tips for traveling with a baby

The first holiday with a baby – when, where, how?

Summertime is travel time. And the upcoming fall is also perfect for a little getaway by the sea, in the mountains, or in a great city. Planning the next vacation is probably especially exciting for all new parents. After all, the first trip with a baby is something very special, and naturally, it requires a little more thought and organization than before.  We have put together some information and tips in a small guide for you that are important for traveling with a small baby.

The first trip with a baby – from when?

You could actually travel with your newborn right away. Many airlines even accept babies as young as 7 days old. Realistically, however, you'll want to spend the first few days and weeks with your infant in peace and quiet, in familiar surroundings. After all, you need to get used to the new situation, and the baby needs to get used to its surroundings. A great time for your first trip is around 3 months. By then, your baby will already be more "stable," and you'll have established a routine, so even unfamiliar situations won't unsettle you.

City, country, or sea? Where to go on vacation with a baby?

Even if you can't imagine it at first: the smaller the baby, the more relaxed the trip will be. And the more flexible you'll be in choosing the type of vacation. If you're still breastfeeding, you'll have everything your baby needs with you, no matter where you are. Aside from a well-packed diaper bag , you won't need much on board. Plus, you can easily transport small babies in a stroller or sling. This way, even a city trip with sightseeing and strolling is possible, because your baby will be napping most of the time anyway (experience shows that this works particularly well in noisy environments).

A beach vacation with a baby can also be very enjoyable and relaxing. You should always ensure you have good sun protection, and keep babies under six months out of the sun as much as possible. UV levels are particularly high between noon and 3 p.m., so you should find a shady spot. If your little one is still in a stroller, a sunshade can provide additional shade.

Of course, you should also remember to wear adequate sun protection in the mountains. If you enjoy hiking, you might want to postpone this type of vacation until later or find out about stroller-friendly hiking trails in advance. Longer hikes with your baby in a carrier are suitable from around 8 to 9 months. It's important for this type of carrying that your child can already sit upright and that their head is properly stable. It's best to start with a short tour to test it out.

Teresa from Mamarazzi in Mexico with diaper backpack ice ice baby , Photo Credit: mama-razzi.com

Which accommodation is suitable for the first holiday as a family?

Whether by the sea, in the mountains, or simply out in the countryside – there are chic hotels everywhere that offer fantastic amenities for families with small babies. From diaper pails and baby beds in the rooms to baby paddling pools, everything has been thought of. And after the exciting (but also stressful) first few months as new parents, a little wellness and a delicious meal are truly relaxing.

A vacation apartment is also a great option for your first vacation with a baby. Even if you don't get the all-inclusive package and have to take care of breakfast, etc. yourself, you can still really relax. You don't have set mealtimes and can follow your own rhythm (and that of your baby). You also have plenty of space, which is especially useful if you're traveling with a small child (you should pay attention to child safety features when choosing an apartment). And a vacation apartment has another advantage for parents: While your little one is sleeping, you can make yourself comfortable in the living room or on the terrace, rather than wandering around a hotel with a baby monitor and a feeling of unease.

Teresa from Mamarazzi with diaper bag soulful spirits , Photo Credit: mama-razzi.com

Traveling with a baby – How to make it relaxed

If you decide to travel by car, look for a destination that's no more than three to four hours away. This will be more relaxing for you and your baby, and you'll be able to test how car travel works. It's also a good idea to take several breaks so your little one doesn't have to stay in the car seat for too long and can move around a bit every now and then. If your baby already has a sleep routine, you can plan for this in your travel time, for example, by driving during a long nap or in the evening.

By train or plane, you can look after your baby well during the journey, breastfeeding and changing them. This gives you flexibility and even longer journeys are possible. When traveling by train, the best place to stay is the family compartment. There is plenty of space for strollers and the like and there is a changing area close by. Early reservations are definitely recommended. On airplanes, too, there are special seats for parents with small babies, which are usually right at the front. It is best to specify your seats when booking. And very important when flying with a baby: feed them during takeoff and landing so that ear pressure can be equalized. You can find even more tips for flying with a baby, for example what should be in your hand luggage, here .

New York trip with diaper backpack wisdom dancer

Traveling abroad with a baby: Applying for a passport

Another very important thing to remember when planning a trip with a baby: If you want to travel abroad (even within the EU), you'll need a separate child's passport for your infant. You can apply for this at your local municipality or residents' registration office, ideally with your baby and all documents – birth certificate, biometric photo, and your ID cards – with you. This way, the passport can be issued immediately or within one to two business days.

We wish you a wonderful first trip with your darling.