Top 10 Benefits of Traveling with a Baby
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It is definitely an understatement to say that life completely changes when you have your first baby. Just like every other aspects of your life, your travel experiences will change with a baby in tow. However, the arrival of a child does not mean that your travel days are over. When we started our family, we never questioned our desire to travel the world. Of course, traveling with a baby is not the same as traveling solo or with your significant other. It requires more planning and packing (!). However, there are so many benefits of traveling with a baby. I truly believe that these benefits are far more significant than any potential challenges family travel can raise.
Read the article below to discover the main benefits of traveling with a baby.
Top 10 benefits of traveling with a baby
Babies travel for free
Under the age of 2, babies travel for free on planes. Most airlines will even give you extra free baggage allowances (diaper bags, stroller, etc.) if you have a baby traveling with you. All the sightseeing is also free for babies: no need to buy extra tickets for your little one. Some hotel may charge a minimal fee for babies.
Babies sleep a lot
It is easy to go out and explore a new city while your baby is sleeping in the stroller or baby-carrier. Nap time is a good time to schedule sightseeing.
Babies are super portable
It’s so much easier to travel with a baby at this stage: they don’t walk and run around! You can bring a stroller or a baby carrier so they follow easily and enjoy the view wherever you go. Trust us, this one is a real benefit of traveling with a baby. Running after a toddler is another experience!
Benefit from Calendar flexibility
You have more flexibility to travel during parental leave. When you go back to work, you must fit your travel plans into your vacation weeks. In addition, it gets more complicated when your child gets older and goes to school: you will not necessarily have the option to travel whenever you want. Take advantage of this major benefit of traveling with a baby.
Since you can leave pretty much anytime, try to avoid high season – if you are traveling to Europe with your baby, we would suggest avoiding summer months (most popular cities gets really crowded and it gets very hot during summer).
➡️ Read Next: Traveling with a baby? Read this post next: Hotel vs Airbnb with a Baby: 6 Useful Things to Consider
Skip all the lines
One of our favorite benefit of traveling with a baby is to skip all the lines. This is true at airports, restaurants, train stations, museums and main tourist attractions, just to name a few.
Babies adapt easily
For most of the babies, home is where mama (and papa!) is. So as long as you keep them in a warm and cozy environment, full of cuddles and care, they will be happy anywhere they are on the globe.
Babies don’t have an opinion (yet)
As your kids get older, they have an opinion on everything: the destination, the accommodation, the restaurant you will pick, the activities you will plan and the attractions you will visit. Take advantage of this short period of time in your kid’s life: you still get to choose what you want to do, eat and visit without to much restriction.
You will make ton of core family memories
As new parents, we always get told that time flies once we have kids. In fact, this is SO true. We just blinked and our daughter is now starting school. We enjoy so much making precious memories when we travel with our kids. It is a very important benefit of traveling with a baby. In a few years from now, I swear that you will become ultra emotional when looking at your baby’s travel pictures.
Enjoy some extra help
One of the main benefit of traveling with a baby is that you will get a lot of help everywhere you go. Most people find babies so cute and stop to smile at your little one and keep them entertain. Whether in a restaurant or at the airport, people are usually very kind and want to help by freeing your hands from a piece of luggage or making faces to make your baby laugh.
Also, despite all the horror stories you may have heard, people are usually very nice with parents on a plane. Some may give you a hand and hold your baby for a few minutes so you can grab a bite or two ?
Quality family time
This is our absolute favorite benefit of traveling with a baby. No errands, no chores – just precious family time. When we’re traveling, I feel like I’m in a little bubble, sheltered from everyday worries. We focus on discovering a new destination and having a good time with our children.
Stop thinking about it and go on a trip with your baby !
Don’t wait for the perfect moment or the perfect cue to book a travel with your baby. It will probably never come!! JUST DO IT! Book a trip and you will not regret it, guaranteed.
Tell us where you travelled with your baby for your first family trip! We want to know how you liked your experience.
FAQ: Traveling with a Baby
1. Is it difficult to travel with a baby?
Traveling with a baby can have its challenges, but with proper planning, it can be a rewarding experience. Many parents find that babies adapt well to new environments and often sleep during flights or car rides. Packing essentials like diapers, snacks, and toys will make the trip smoother.
2. What age is best for traveling with a baby?
Every family is different, but many parents prefer to travel when their baby is between 3 to 12 months old. At this age, babies are typically not as mobile, and they may still be napping frequently, which can make traveling a bit easier.
3. How do I keep my baby comfortable during a flight?
To keep your baby comfortable during a flight, feed them during takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure, bring along familiar toys or blankets for comfort, and pack enough supplies like snacks, diapers, and clothes. Baby carriers can also help keep your hands free.
4. Will my baby remember any of the trip?
While your baby may not remember the trip, the experience can still be invaluable. The memories and bonding moments created during family trips will stay with you, and exposing your baby to new environments is beneficial for their development.
5. Is it expensive to travel with a baby?
Traveling with a baby can be affordable if planned well. Many airlines allow babies to fly for free or at a reduced rate, and some hotels and accommodations offer free stays for children under a certain age. Choosing baby-friendly destinations and accommodations can also help cut down costs.
6. Are there benefits to traveling with a baby compared to traveling with older kids?
Yes! Babies typically don’t need separate meals, tickets, or entertainment, which can make traveling easier and more affordable. Also, babies aren’t as mobile as toddlers, so they are usually content staying in a stroller or baby carrier, which simplifies getting around.
7. Do I need a passport for my baby?
Yes, if you are traveling internationally, your baby will need a passport. It’s important to plan ahead, as getting a passport can take several weeks.
8. How can traveling help with my baby’s development?
Traveling exposes your baby to new sights, sounds, and environments, which can stimulate their senses and cognitive development. Even simple experiences like seeing new people or hearing different languages can positively impact their growth.
9. What are some travel-friendly baby gear essentials?
Travel-friendly baby essentials include a lightweight stroller, baby carrier, portable crib, diapers, wipes, a few favorite toys, and a changing mat. These items can help make your trip more convenient and stress-free.
10. Is it better to rent or bring baby gear when traveling?
It depends on the destination and how much space you have when packing. Some parents prefer to bring their own gear for familiarity and convenience, while others rent larger items like cribs and strollers at their destination to save space.
Conclusion: Top 10 Benefits of Traveling with a Baby
Traveling with a baby might seem daunting at first, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges. From bonding as a family to watching your baby experience new sights and sounds, travel can be a unique way to nurture their growth and create unforgettable memories—even if they won’t remember it all. Whether it’s taking advantage of those under-two discounts or enjoying the slower pace that comes with traveling with a little one, you’ll find that exploring new places with your baby brings its own joys and rewards. So pack up, plan ahead, and embrace the adventure—it’s a special time you’ll cherish for years to come!
Traveling with a baby soon? Read these posts next:
– The Best Travel Baby Carrier – Review of the Best Options
– Flying with kids: how to prepare for your child’s first flight
– Baby Travel: The 5 Best Portable Bottle Warmers
– Baby Beach Essentials: 19 Must-haves for Babies at the Beach
