Top Tips For Stress Free Travel With Your Baby
Traveling with little ones can feel intimidating, especially when you're concerned about their sleep schedule. If you're a parent who feels housebound because you're stressed about disrupting your baby's routine, you're not alone. Many parents avoid traveling, even skipping simple naps on the go, because they fear their baby will become overtired, and they won't know how to handle it. But there's a way to break free from these anxieties and enjoy your travels with confidence!
I want to share a little about my own journey from being an anxious, routine-obsessed mum to someone who now loves traveling with my family. I am still a big fan of routine - but have learned to build in more flexibility!
This transformation didn’t happen overnight, but it’s possible for you too, and here’s how you can get there.
The Fear of Breaking Routine
In the early days of our daughter Hazel's life, the thought of disrupting her routine would send me into a spiral of stress. As a baby and toddler sleep consultant, you might think I had it all figured out. But like many first-time parents—especially those of us who lean toward perfectionism—I worried not about what was happening with her sleep, but about what might happen. The unknown was terrifying.
I had Hazel’s routine down pat. But the idea of being off-routine, even for something as simple as a night at a friend's house, scared me. I started to avoid doing anything that might throw her sleep off track. This type of thinking is known as catastrophizing—creating worst-case scenarios in our heads that haven't even happened yet. And while routines are helpful, they can make you feel trapped if you're too rigid about sticking to them 100% of the time.
A Turning Point at Eight Months
When Hazel turned eight months old, I realized that something had to change. Travel and adventure had always been an important part of life for me and my husband, and I didn’t want to give that up just because we had a baby. So, I made a conscious decision to push through my fear of being off-routine. I wanted Hazel to experience the world with us, not be confined to a rigid schedule that kept us home.
That’s where I see many parents get stuck. They become so controlled by their baby's sleep routine that they feel unable to enjoy life outside of the house. I was at risk of resenting the very routine that I had so carefully built because it felt like it was holding me hostage.
But here's the truth: babies are more adaptable than we give them credit for. And once I learned to push through the fear of off-routine days, my confidence grew. We've since had countless successful trips, both big and small, and I can honestly say that traveling with Hazel is something I now look forward to.
Words of Wisdom for Traveling Parents
If you’re feeling anxious about breaking your routine for travel, know that your baby is more resilient than you might think—especially if they’re well-rested. When your baby follows a predictable routine most of the time, they don’t accumulate the same level of overtiredness. A well-rested baby will handle curveballs like off-routine days much better than a baby who is frequently overtired from night wakings or inconsistent naps.
Just like anything in life, confidence comes from experience. The more you travel with your baby, the easier it becomes. Even if the first trip doesn't go perfectly, don’t give up! Keep at it, and you’ll find that each experience makes the next one smoother.
Tips for Traveling with Babies: What to Pack
There are plenty of things you can do to support your little one’s sleep while traveling. Here are three essentials I always take with us:
SlumberPod – This blackout tent creates an instant dark sleep environment wherever you are. It’s perfect for popping over a portable cot and takes just 30 seconds to set up.
Portable Blackout Blinds – Another option for blocking out light, especially when you're unsure about the size of windows in your accommodation. The Mahalo Eco Blinds attach easily to windows and can be removed during awake times. Use code LETSSLEEP5 for 10% off your order.
Sleeping Bags – I always pack a variety of sleeping bags depending on the weather. A 1-tog for warmer nights and a 2.5 or 3.5-tog for cooler nights ensures that your baby will be comfortable regardless of the room’s temperature.
Portable White Noise Machine – A continuous-play white noise machine is another must. It helps drown out unfamiliar sounds when you’re staying in new places and provides a comforting, familiar background noise for your baby. We love our TweetyDreams noise machine (use code TWEETYJAZZ for a discount).
Balancing Routine and Flexibility While Traveling
One of the most common concerns parents have is how to balance the need for routine with the desire to have some flexibility while traveling. The key is to build in some restorative sleep opportunities for your baby while still allowing for naps on the go, such as in the car, carrier, or pram.
For example, when we traveled to celebrate Hazel’s first birthday, we balanced her naps by doing the morning nap in the car or pram and the lunchtime nap in her cot at the accommodation. This allowed us to enjoy our mornings out while ensuring she got a long, restorative nap in the middle of the day.
Don’t be afraid to push bedtime a little later if needed. By maintaining some flexibility in your baby’s routine while on holiday, you’ll find it much easier to enjoy your time away without the stress of sticking to the routine too rigidly.
Final Thoughts
Travel is an enriching experience that you can absolutely enjoy with your baby—without stressing about sleep. It might take a few trips for you to feel comfortable, but with a well-rested baby, the right gear, and a positive mindset, you’ll find that those anxieties melt away.
Don't let fear of breaking the routine stop you from creating wonderful memories with your family. Adventure and spontaneity are what life is all about, and travel will bring new experiences and joy to both you and your baby.