When I said I wanted to travel with Nolan – who was six months old at the time – as soon as he had his vaccinations, I was called crazy, mad, and given these side glances or ironic looks saying ‘good luck with that’. But truth be told: the more I was ridiculed the more I wanted to do it.
Is it possible to travel with a 6-month-old baby? Is it difficult? Is it worth it? Is it really that hard to enjoy your trip? How do you do it?
All these questions from people around me inspired me to make this post which I think is very fitting given our 6 year travel anniversary.
Here are the answers to all the concerns and questions I got ever since my partner and I made the decision to travel with our son:
Isn’t traveling with a baby scary?
Is it even possible to travel with a 6-month-old?
The honest truth is that I was scared shitless.
All these people with their unsolicited advice got to me. I am a person with highly sensitive mother instincts/responsibilities. I didn’t want my child to suffer in any way. So I had the pleasure of doubting my decision every step of the way.
So yes, it is scary. But also yes, it is possible!
What made me decide to do it anyway?
I wanted to at least try and fail as opposed to never knowing. To me it was important to prove to myself and to know for myself and not through other people’s insecurities.
Turns out I was right. Nolan doesn’t mind at all. He enjoys himself immensely everywhere we go. Of course there have been tired cries here and there but we have learned to find compromises and we stick to a schedule that works for everyone.
It helps that I’m also a lucky mother of a relatively calm child; I hear stories here and there and it seems I’m doing okay compared to some.
My Top Tip
We split our travel times in chunks. When we took off from Toronto to Thailand we stopped over in San Francisco for a week.
To get to Okinawa we made stops in Singapore and Hong Kong. Both were for a week and two weeks respectively. And during the day we tried not to get out for more than 2 hours at a time. My husband and I stick to his napping schedule so everyone can remain calm and rested, which is the most important thing when traveling with a baby.
Is it difficult to travel with a baby?
Yes and no.
Yes, because you’re carrying a sometimes grumpy, teething, 10 kilo mammoth of a baby around for several hours at a time.
No, for the overall experience because the first part is only 20% out of a 100%.
Sometimes, like right now, Nolan’s sleeping schedule is a bit off so we accommodate accordingly. Baby comes first in everything we do. So we remain calm if we didn’t get somewhere or didn’t do this amazing thing.
Figuring out, talking things over, and communicating to your spouse about things you want to do is important in general. It becomes imperative during times like this. I am my own person as well, with my own identity and sometimes I find myself wishing for something way too often. This is when it becomes critical because it’s not just the baby that has to be happy.
I just took a class in Okinawa food preparation and my partner gave me these 3 hours to enjoy myself. It was glorious three hours and no one died. Obviously, I will return the favour when he needs some time for himself.
My Top Tip
If you want to travel but are scared or have reservations about it, take small steps. First try a picnic at the park. Then a day trip somewhere. Then a two-day trip with the family members that you trust will help you. Soon you’ll see that it’s not that difficult or scary at all.
Is traveling with your baby worth it?
Nolan was 6 months when we started and now he is 10. I can see every day that he is changing. He looks at new things around him, feels the different textures, meets and talks (not really, more like smiles and gurgles) to other people that he has never seen before and it all leaves an everlasting impression on him.
I remember judging the hell out of a person I know taking his not even 2-year-old daughter to the beach resort at an expensive hotel. He told me: ‘Just the look on her face when her toes are touching the sand is worth the flight (10h) and the price (200$/night for two weeks).’ I thought he was exaggerating. Turns out I was still on the other side. It is worth it.
What about hiring help during your travels?
I am not one of these people who will tell you that I love being a mom every day. I love my son and I am still surprised I have one. I am neither a helicopter parent nor a “let the child do what he wants”. Sometimes it is hard, very hard and I don’t enjoy it all the time. Hiring help often came as a thought to both my partner and I. However, I wouldn’t trust any nanny to do my job for me. During moments like this I remind myself that it is not for forever and take a sip of sake, wine, tea, or anything else…
How do I do it?
The short answer is that I learned to let things go. Another thing is putting myself first.
Ever heard of the stewardess telling you to put the oxygen mask on you first and then help those around you? That’s the approach I take. I have learned to put myself and my happiness first and let go of what might drive me crazy like dirty dishes, torn paper, poopy diaper lying on the bathroom floor for one hour already.
We’ve been traveling with Nolan for four months now, and all is good.
Some people prefer the comfort of their homes during winter in Canada but I would rather fly to Thailand for 17 hours with an infant. Discomfort? Sure, but it is totally doable and worth it in the long run.
Do you travel with your baby? What are your top tips?
This is a guest post by Julia K.
Julia K is a travel blogger who found her passion by writing about travel tips, authentic shopping, and gift guides. When at home, she likes to explore what is new in the world of travel fashion, food, and travel gadgets. Follow her on Instagram and her blog.
Wow, props to you for travelling with a baby! At the moment, I don't think I'd be able to handle being a mum on a regular day, let alone when exposed to new surroundings). I personally would not bring my baby with me while travelling, though, because I don't think he or she would remember it. I only began going on vacations with my parents when I was over two and I can't recall any part of those trips. That being said, I can see advantages to bringing your baby along. You don't need to leave him or her in the hands of someone else, you don't miss him or her, etc!
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I totally get where you're coming from, and it's definitely not for everyone. I think at one point I was even in the same camp as you, but at some point I started looking at it a little differently. I don't remember a lot of my childhood trips even from when I should have been old enough to remember them (though I do love seeing photos!). I do have a general "feel" about my childhood, and I hope that's what we build for my son when we travel. A sense of adventure and seeing new places. That this is something we *do* as a family.
Maybe even more importantly for me though- the memories we make when we travel aren't just about our son, they're for us too! The experiences we've had- good, bad, and stressful, are so precious to us looking back, even after just a few months. I think this time in our lives will be a golden one to look back on when my husband and I old, and to have travel be a part of that has been really cool.
Even small trips can leave a positive impression on a baby. I think, we as adults, project onto the little ones a lot of our own ideas of comfort and how things should be. And in reality babies need really basic stuff that you can get anywhere really.
+a ton of loving
I love what you said about traveling with a baby. My husband does not think I will be able to handle a three week trip to America without him. My daughter will be three months old. However, I think it would be harder after the age of two, both with money and time. A baby is portable and I am lucky enough to have a calm baby. I spend days with my baby in museums, cafes and general running around town. She is two months old. The hardest thing for me is running out formula before the day ends or forgetting something at home. However, I feel like once she enters toddler time then trips will have to be focused on what "she" wants to do. It is at that age I plan on doing more traveling alone until she is old enough to remember.
High five, mama! I have a six month old. We're Americans who live in the Netherlands, so traveling is a huge part of our lives. So far he's been all over the Netherlands, to Denmark, France, and back to the US twice. By the end of the summer he'll have been back to Denmark, Finland, Croatia, Switzerland, and England. Hopefully Germany and Belgium too! The three most important things for me have been: 1. Babywearing! It's so much easier to get through an airport, on and off a plane, and even to walk around a plane with with a baby carrier of some sort. 2. Adjust your day based on the baby- for us this means we don't really eat out for dinner when we travel anymore, lunch outings make for a happier baby and calmer parents. For dinner we find fun takeout or browse local grocery stores, which is always a favorite of mine anyway. 3. Travel as light as possible. You can do laundry and buy diapers there. I've never regretted having less with us, only bringing too much. Carrying around a ton of baby gear is exhausting and overwhelming. 4. Lower your expectations, or try to go without them. If you go out with a specific idea of how something is going to roll out, there's a good chance you might be disappointed. Being flexible with plans and expectations makes it easier to be in the moment, and listening to yourself and your baby's needs without guilt that you're either missing something important, or making the baby uncomfortable. All in all, it's doable and worth it and just going for it and planning that trip is the first step. :D
Wow that is a lot of countries! Your tips are golden. Childhood all the way!
Oops, that's 4. Apparently I have lots of tips. Haha
Yes! To all of this! We travel all over Europe with our 2 year old and started when she was one. It for sure has its challenges, but it is so so worth it to her the world!
When I think about where we started: maybe we could have done more if we start from Europe. How is the sidewalk situation there?
So, so good to read this! I hate the idea of fitting all my traveling in before kids, when I'd want them to be a part of it! Thanks for the advice.
For me it was important to know what I want and what my limits are.
I am so glad you can find something for yourself. Happy traveling!
I haven't travelled with my 9mo old yet but I sure got motivated! Reading you sounded like I was reading my own voice. We take the exact same approach at motherhood...to the T!
Now I can't wait to travel! Thank you!
Yey! I am so glad to find a similar mind. Sometimes I feel like a total newbie in all of this. If I can do it, you can for sure too. Happy travelling!
For me travelling with a baby & toddler is:
1. Worth it!
2. Not worst or better; just different!
We just came back from a 4 weeks trip to Nicaragua and Panama. It was great. I was relaxed! The kids enjoyed to have mummy and daddy 24/7. I enjoyed to have some time for me and I would do it again. My baby was 6 month and the toddler 5. In 4 weeks I will go allone with both to Germany Not scared at all!!! Yes you plan different, of course you do different things , but it's as nice as without them. The best thing about it, you slow automatically down and don't try to do to many things in a short time. If you go with the kids flow ur doing right! So don't be scared, pack your kids and go!!!
I love the "pack your kids and go"...Your energy is amazing. South and Central America are on my list. I want him to be able to climb anything and everything so maybe in a year. Happy travelling!
I think it's great to travel with a baby, but the majority of people with kids have jobs at home, where we can't just take a 1 week layover to break up a flight. Seems pretty unrealistic to give that advice on a regular old "Traveling with your baby" FAQ. How about how to change a diaper on an airplane? How do you keep their food cold? What do you do with yourself when they go to bed at 7pm and you're in the SAME hotel room with them? What do you do when they want to run around nonstop? What the heck do you feed them in some other countries? Are you always buying bottled water for them? I'd rather read something that applies to more moms than just the ones who have families who can somehow take 4 months to go travel everywhere.
Hi Liz. Im many european countries and Canada you can go for a couple weeks or even a year on parental leave. You'll get paid a certain amount of money depending on ur former income. That's were time comes from and some money. Changing diapers in a plane, no problem- they have changing tables. Most young babies are breastfed, if not bottled water is available. Same room? We always paid attention to at least have a balcony or shared terrace. Babyphones are working abroad also. I always kept in mind - doesn't matter were I go - everywhere they are growing kids, so there will be help and a solution in case of need. The research before makes things getting easier and helps to calm down. And that a kids starts running/getting wild can happen everywhere. As parents we always need to expect the unexpected. The best self preparing strategy I know. Things normally aren't that difficult as they might seem to be at the beginning I only choose countries I know the spoken language of, this might be helpful too...
Hey Liz,
I totally get it. Here are the answers that hopefully help.
You can buy food for babies anywhere in the world. They have baby food available and prepacaged just like in US or Canada.
Sometimes, like in Thailand, I buy bottled water for us in general. In Japan my son and I drink tap water and we are fine.
I have a little compartment in my baby backpack that keeps the temperature if a bottle somewhat the same for a short time period. Ususually, if you travel 2 hours at a time there is no need really (for me anyways). If you are on an airplane stuardesses can accommodate with cold or hot storage or warm up. Just ask.
To change diaper on the plane is somewhat interecting. Some planes have changing stations some don't. When the situation permitted I changed Nolan on the seat next to me. I put a portable changing pad under his bum. On one of the flights the toilet was small I had to ask my husband to hold the door open so Nolan and I could fit in.
If he wants to run, crawl or just be awake, I let him. If he doesn't want to sleep he doesn't sleep. If he wants to sleep, I accommodate accordingly. Usually,even if he seems awake at 8.30 by 9 his rutine gets him and he is sound asleep.
I don't take 4 months off. I live like this. My husband has a business that he can take with him and I have a travel blog. We don't have vacations or pauses. We also don't have weekends. We work every single day.
We do not rent hotel rooms. We rent airbnb which are cheaper and more convenient.
If I am in the same room when my son is sleeping then I am on my phone typing, in a silence mode, away new posts. In your situation you can read a book. Watch a movie with headphones on....so many things...catch up on emails, and of course, read this comment.;)
Let me know if you have further questions. The article above was more to inspire women and young families to do what they want to do from a psychological point of view.
Happy travelling!
Hey Liz,
Just left a bif one for Ya down below. Happy reading!
Great Article! I recently traveled to Italy for a month with my 13 month old. There were some moments of tired cries and lure mommy exhaustion, but those moments would have haopened at home too. I think the most important thing is sticing with the baby's schedule. As long as she ate and sleor at relatively the same time everyday all was good. She loved walking around and babbling to all the people and looking at all the new places. It was a difference pace than travel pre-baby, but it was wonderful!
Thank uou for reading! I think babies become more adaptable with time. It is like a "cool vicious" circle the more you travel the more they become resilient to outside the comfort zone.
Happy traveling!
Never travelled much ourselves and regretted that. With the birth of our son, we were rethinking about what is really important in life. We both agreed that travelling is: for ourselves because when you become a parent the world suddenly looks like a creepy place full of dangers and travelling shows you the exact opposite and for our son because we think it's important to broaden his perspective.
Our son is 4 years old and has seen more of the world than we did in 35 years. He really is a good travel companion and played with kids from all over the world. Off course things are different when you travel with a kid. We really adapt ourselves to his sleeping and eating scheme and we always look for a park or playground where he can run around for a while. On the other hand we take him to every museum or art gallery we want to see and we go out for dinner as much as possible (actually: we go out for an extended lunch as much as possible) Enjoy your travels, Julia, it's really special with a family
Hello Tamar,
I am so glad you like the article. Good for you that you reconsidered traveling. You are so lucky your partner wants to go to art galleries. I find it is harder on him than the baby. we also go to extended lunches. Or rather speedy ones. First I eat and Mr K holds our son and then we switch....it is so romantic in its own twisted way.
Happy traveling!
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Great post! Traveling with a baby (or kids) can be difficult but our family is enjoying it. Our most recent trip was to Venice (from Sicily). Our baby was fine on the airplane and loved being outside and looking at the sights. We took him on the gondola and so many people stopped to say hello. We would've never met them had we not had our kids with us. Thanks for the great tips.
Hey, LaMesha!
I am guilty of using Nolan as an icebreaker as well.:) We definitely get to talk to more people with him in tow. However, at some point, I start to intervene because some of them want to take pictures. That is when I draw the line.
Happy traveling!
Very well-written information about traveling with the baby. I have two little babies. When I go for travel with my kids, I take my jogger stroller with me, It helps me to carry my baby and it gives them more comfort and enjoyment. Thank you so much.
Thanks for sharing your great informative post. I really enjoy this post. Recently I am planning for a first time trip by plane with my family. I have two little kids. I have a question for you, Can I use my own stroller during a plane on a trip? Do I have to pay extra for it?