Trips pre-baby used to be exciting, right? With a baby, they might be a little nerve racking. After all, will your baby be able to handle it? Will other travelers be able to handle your baby?

Traveling with a baby can absolutely be exciting and a little daunting, if we’re honest. Keeping little ones entertained in a car, plane, or train requires some creativity. Luckily, a little preparation can make the journey a little smoother for both parents and babies.

Pack the Essentials

A well-packed bag of age-appropriate toys is a must-have for any trip with your baby. Of course, how much you decide to pack depends on a few factors: what method of transportation you’re traveling by, how long you’re gone, and how many other adults are going with you.

• Open-Ended Toys: Think blocks, stackable cups, nesting toys, or even a set of measuring spoons! These encourage creativity and can be used in different ways.
• Sensory Toys: Egg shakers, crinkly books, textured balls, or a small stuffed animal with interesting fabrics. Babies love to explore with their senses.
• Familiar Favorites: Include one or two of your baby's favorite toys from home. A familiar toy can be a comforting presence in a new environment.
• "New" Surprises: Pack a few new toys to unveil during the trip. The novelty will spark curiosity and keep them engaged.
• "Busy" Toys: For older babies, activity boards, buckle toys, or toys with buttons and dials can keep little hands occupied.
• Mat or Blanket: Don’t forget to pack a mat or blanket for your baby to stretch out on and play.
• Board Books: Make sure to have a few board books on hand to read with your little one.
• HLP Deck: Bring your baby’s Happy Little People™ Baby Activity Cards for portable, enriching, and developmentally appropriate activities on the go.

For Road Trips

Road trips are a quintessential way to travel. On a road trip with your baby, you have a lot more control over your schedule, breaks, and playtime.

• Travel Mobile: Hang a mobile with interesting shapes and colors from your baby’s car seat handle, which can provide visual stimulation during car rides. Some even attach to a car passenger handle.
• Rest Stops: Plan for regular breaks every 2-3 hours. This gives you a chance to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. This gives your baby a chance to have their diaper changed and move around. 
• Backseat Bonding: If your baby gets fussy, hop in the backseat with them. Your presence can be incredibly soothing. After all, who hasn’t gotten cranky on a long car ride? 
• Play Music: Turn on the radio, play a podcast, sing your heart out. The auditory stimulation will make your baby’s brain work.

For Plane or Train Journeys

Going by air or rail? That’s great! You’ll have a little more flexibility to hold your baby, play with them, and move around. 

• Choose the Right Seats: If possible, select seats with extra legroom or bulkhead seats for more space and easier access to the aisle. 
• Prepare for Ear Pressure: Changes in cabin pressure can cause ear discomfort in babies. Offer a bottle, pacifier, or breastfeed during ascent and descent to help relieve ear pressure.
• Soft Toys: Quiet, soft toys are ideal for plane or train travel. Choose books with bright colors and textures for your baby to explore.
• Tray Table: Securely attach a toy to the tray table or use it as a surface for playing with stacking cups or other small toys.
• Baby Mirror: A small, unbreakable mirror can provide endless entertainment for babies who love to look at themselves.
• Expect Delays: Be prepared to entertain your baby for longer than you think, in case there are delays of any kind.
• Stay Calm: Air travel with a baby can be challenging, but remaining calm and patient will make the experience more enjoyable for both you and your little one.

When traveling with a baby, the same goes for traveling with adults. Pack lighter; less is more. Plans change and that’s okay. Have realistic expectations for traveling with your little one and you’ll be surprised how smoothly it can go.

For the Adults

Being out of your typical environment with all the supplies you curated for your baby can be a little disorienting, especially if this is your first time traveling with your baby. When your baby is just over traveling and needs to be redirected, or if you just don’t know what else to do, pull out your deck of Happy Little People™ Toddler and Baby Activity Cards. 

Even on the go, our research-backed activities are a breeze. From bonding and creativity to motor skills, language, social-emotional intelligence, and cognitive development, you can nurture a wide range of skills away from home. To make our activities even more travel-friendly, we have a mobile-friendly digital edition that you can pull up on your phone anytime, anywhere.