Travelling with an infant,
My Top Tips:
I travelled to Australia solo twice with my children when they were still babies. They’re now wonderfully confident travellers, and I hope these personal tips help make your journey feel that little bit easier.
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Feed during take-off and landing: (a must!) Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, this can help ease the pressure in their ears and keep them comfortable.
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Be organised: Keep all your essentials in one easy-to-reach bag. Having everything to hand makes a real difference, especially mid-flight.
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Stay calm: Babies are incredibly intuitive and tend to mirror your mood. The calmer you feel, the more settled they’re likely to be.
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VIP fast-track security: Worth pre-booking where available, particularly on arrival. Long waits rarely make for happy little travellers.
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Child / baby meals on flights: These need to be requested in advance. Expect jars or pouches, so it’s worth bringing a few familiar favourites.
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Bassinet / bulkhead seats: These are limited and generally for babies up to 10kg. It’s worth requesting one when you book, but don’t rely on it - your baby will need to be held whenever the seatbelt sign is on.
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Accept help: Cabin crew are often wonderful with little ones, so do be proactive and lean on them if needed.
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Use distraction wisely: Bring favourite toys and books, but also introduce something new (and even wrapped) to hold their attention for longer.
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Snacks for the win: If weening, a small snack box can be a lifesaver, keeping little hands busy and moods on track.
Baby's first passport
Applying for your baby’s first passport is often the first step.
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Apply in good time: Start the process well in advance—ideally 8–10 weeks before you travel—to allow for any delays.
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Passport photos: You’ll need a compliant passport photo, which can take a few attempts with babies. Lay them on a light-coloured sheet and take the photo from above. Their eyes don’t need to be open, and children under six don’t have to look directly at the camera. They must not be holding toys or using a dummy, and no other person can be visible in the frame. If in doubt, a professional photographer can make this much easier.
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First child passport (UK): For a child’s first passport in the UK, you’ll need to apply using a paper form, and one of your printed photos must be countersigned. The person signing must be in an approved profession and have known you for at least two years.
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Parental consent: Details and consent from both parents are usually required as part of the application.
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Travelling solo: If you’re travelling alone with your baby, check whether additional documentation is needed—particularly if you and your child have different surnames.
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It is a small administrative task, but one that is best done early to avoid unnecessary stress.
Essential Packing List
Baby Essentials
For the flight
On holiday
Remember
In your hand luggage:
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Nappies (always more than you think you’ll need)
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Wipes
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Travel Changing mat
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2–3 spare outfits for baby
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A spare top/outfit for you
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Muslins
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Extra large scarf for privacy if breastfeeding, doubles up for warmth
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Bottles / formula / expressed milk / thermos flask with hot water (to make formula up)
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Food (if weaning)
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Snacks (if weaning)
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Bibs (wipe clean) (if weaning)
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Wet bag/carrier bag in case of any leaks or accidents
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Comfort item (favourite toy or blanket)
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Dummy (plus a spare)
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Infant Paracetamol and syringe (because you never know)
In your main luggage:
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Sleepwear and daywear (appropriate for weather)
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Familiar sleeping bag or light weight blanket
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Baby toiletries
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Baby monitor (if preferred, possibly supplied by hotel)
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Night light or sleeping aid (if helpful for routine sleeping)
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Basic medical essentials (infant paracetamol, thermometer)
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Sun Lotion and Sun Hat (if relevant)
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Pram/Pushchair UV protecting black-out cover, great for naps when out and about
A compact pram or pushchair that fits in the overhead locker is incredibly useful (note some airlines require these to be in a case/bag). If you don’t have a compact pram, a baby carrier is highly recommended. It’s often a long walk through the airport before you can collect your pushchair from the luggage belt and quite the juggle with your hands full.
Airlines will check-in two pieces of baby/infant equipment for free, i.e. a Pram/Pushchair and a car seat. If your pram or pushchair splits into two pieces this still counts as one. You may wish to consider a cover to keep everything clean, as they can get marked. I ended up investing in a travel pushchair and car seat specifically for travelling.
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Take spare clothes for both baby and you just in case. A muslin for feeding, and double the wipes and nappies you think you'll need, in case of delays. Have everything in one bag to hand for any mid flight emergencies. Have an easy to grab and go change bag with a travel change mat.
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See my top tips above, for other key items for a comfortable and peaceful flight.
One of the most common concerns is how much to bring, but in reality, many hotels can provide a surprising amount.
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Depending on the property, I can arrange:
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Baby cots / cribs
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Highchairs
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Bottle sterilisers
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Baby baths
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Changing mats
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Nappy bins
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Interconnecting rooms or family suites
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Babysitting services
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Pre-stocked rooms with nappies, wipes and baby essentials
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The key is knowing which hotels do this well - and ensuring everything is requested in advance, exactly as you need it.
Travelling with a baby is not about doing everything as you did before. It is about travelling differently, more slowly, thoughtfully, and often more meaningfully.
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With the right support, it becomes far less about logistics​, ​I can help with you the practicalities, like suitable hotels, rooms with space to allow for nap times and fast track security. Then you can enjoy those early moments together, in beautiful surroundings.
But even when everything is planned perfectly, please remember that...
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Not every moment will be seamless
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Babies will probably cry - and that’s absolutely fine
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Most people are far more understanding than you expect
Airport Security
Navigating airport security with a baby can feel daunting, but the rules are generally designed to be practical and parent-friendly. Here’s what you need to know:
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Liquids for babies: You are allowed to take more than the standard 100ml limit for essential baby items. This includes milk (breast milk, formula, or cow’s milk), sterilised water, and baby food. Security may ask you to taste liquids or open containers for screening.
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Baby milk and formula: Ready-made formula and expressed breast milk are permitted in reasonable quantities for your journey. You can also carry powder formula, often easier for travel.
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Food and snacks: Baby food pouches, purées, and snacks are allowed. Again, these may be screened separately.
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Pushchairs and car seats: Pushchairs and prams are usually taken through security separately, or they may need to be folded. You will walk through carrying your little one.
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Baby carriers: You may be asked to remove your baby from a sling or carrier when passing through the metal detector, but policies can vary slightly by airport.
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Nappies and essentials: There are no restrictions on nappies, wipes, creams, or other solid essentials, pack generously, especially for long-haul journeys.
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Medicines: Essential medicines for your baby are allowed, including liquids over 100ml if needed. It’s helpful to carry a prescription or doctor’s note particularly if over 100ml.
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