Traveling With a Baby: Is It Worth It?

ByJennifer

After I had my first baby, I felt like I had disappeared.

My days were a total blur of feeding, crying, bouncing, and trying to nap when I could (or clean up when I should have been napping). I didn’t know how to be a mom and still be me.

So when we took a short road trip to San Diego with our 2-month-old, I was nervous. Everything was still fresh and new. I was breastfeeding around the clock, barely sleeping, and deeply attached to my baby. But I also felt this quiet hope that maybe I didn’t have to give up on everything I used to enjoy.

That trip changed something for me.

It reminded me that I was still in there. I just needed to figure out how to bring her along.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth it to travel with a baby, especially in the middle of the sleep deprivation and spit-up stage, I totally get it.

Here’s why I think it’s not just doable, but actually one of the best things I’ve done as a new parent.

Why I Think Traveling With a Baby Was Worth It (At Least for Me)

1. Traveling Helped Me Feel Like Me Again

In those early weeks after our first baby was born, I felt like I was drowning in diapers, cluster feeds, and late-night Google searches: “How to pump?” “How to get more milk supply when pumping?” “Breastfeeding positions” “Is breastfeeding supposed to hurt?” “When does having a baby get better?”

I was tired, sore, and unsure of pretty much everything.

I missed feeling like a person. Honestly, I felt like a cow that only existed to provide milk to this other person.

I missed doing things simply because I wanted to.

That’s why that first little trip meant so much.

We only drove two hours to San Diego, but it felt like crossing a finish line. I was still figuring out breastfeeding and adjusting to a new body that didn’t feel like mine, but I also got to eat out at a restaurant, and hear the beach waves crash, and walk through Balboa Park with my husband, while my baby hung out with us either in the carrier or the stroller. It was some time we needed together to break out of that cycle of talking purely about baby logistics.

Was it relaxing? Not exactly.

Bryan had made a dinner reservation at a nice seafood restaurant for my birthday, and just as our food came out, she started fussing. We fed her a bottle while juggling our entrees, and then she had a full-blown blowout, out of the onesie, onto my leg. At the restaurant.

It was stressful in the moment. I remember rushing to the bathroom, cleaning up as fast as we could, and just laughing through the chaos.

And yet, even with all that… it was still life-giving.

That little trip reminded me that I could still do something I loved. It just looked different now. Slower, with more breaks and way more diaper changes, but still doable.

And still joyful.

2. Watching My Baby Try New Things Was So Fun

At six months old, she had her very first solid food at home, just oatmeal mixed with breast milk. I remember it being messy and kind of underwhelming.

But a few months later, when we were in New Orleans, everything changed. She was 11 months old, sitting in a high chair at a restaurant, and we gave her a bite of Cajun rice. And she liked it. Like, really liked it.

It was such a small moment, but I still remember it so clearly. Watching her reach for more, tasting something bold and totally new, and not spitting it out? That felt like magic.

Now that she’s a toddler, I look back and laugh. Because these days? Anything green is “ewie green,” and vegetables are apparently offensive.

Babies change so fast. Traveling with her during that in-between phase helped me catch a glimpse of those little moments before they were gone.

3. Watching Her Look Around at the World Was Magic

One of my favorite things about traveling with a baby is how present they are. They’re not distracted by screens or to-do lists. They’re just taking it all in.

I loved watching her scan the world around her, trying to make sense of everything. Sometimes she’d stare at a tree or a water fountain like it was the most fascinating thing she’d ever seen. Other times, she’d frown or cry like when she heard the Disney fireworks.

And the pointing—oh my gosh, the pointing. I still remember the way she’d jab her tiny finger at things she found interesting. Airplanes. Street performers. Dogs in hats. It was adorable every time.

One of the sweetest moments was when we visited my friend in Florida and my daughter met her baby boy, who was two months younger. She looked at him with curiosity, then gently tapped him on the arm like she was saying hi.

She also lit up when she saw her older cousin in Florida, who was so excited to hold her and “take care” of her like a real-life baby doll.

Those kinds of moments happen all the time when you’re raising a baby.

But traveling gave me a front-row seat to them in a totally new setting. It helped me slow down, pay attention, and soak it all in.

4. I Wouldn’t Have Traveled Without My Baby

Even though both of our kids have amazing grandmas, I couldn’t imagine leaving my baby overnight. Especially in those early months.

She wasn’t sleeping through the night yet, and I was breastfeeding and pumping around the clock. The idea of asking someone else to manage that just didn’t sit right with me. Not because they couldn’t do it, but because I genuinely felt like she still needed me. And honestly, I needed to be with her too.

Even if I hadn’t been breastfeeding, I don’t think I would’ve felt ready to leave her behind.

At that point, it wasn’t a question of whether to travel with or without the baby. It was either travel together or don’t go at all.

So we went. Together. And I’m so glad we did.

5. Traveling Gave Me Confidence as a New Parent

I didn’t feel confident when we took that first trip. I was tired, unsure, and constantly second-guessing myself. What if I forget something important? What if she wants a certain toy and I didn’t bring it? So many what-ifs. So many reasons to say no to the trip.

But with every trip, whether it was a road trip to San Diego or San Francisco or a longer flight to New Orleans or Orlando, I learned something. And sometimes I made mistakes.

At the airport, headed to New Orleans, I realized I had forgotten the baby carrier. It was still hanging on the hook at home. That was a big oops! So when we landed, our first stop was Walmart to pick up a new one.

And the trip went on. We still had a great time. That’s when I started to realize that most of the things I used to obsess over weren’t actually that important anyway.

I got better at packing only what we really needed. I figured out how to handle naps on the go. I stopped obsessing over how things should go and started rolling with how things actually went.

Each experience made me a little braver. A little more flexible. A little more sure of myself as a mom.

Now that I’ve traveled with two kids, including international flights with a baby and toddler, I can honestly say that confidence didn’t show up all at once. It grew with every diaper change in an airport bathroom and every fussy bedtime in a new hotel room.

And it all started with that first trip.

Pros and Cons of Traveling With a Baby

Pros

  • You still get to travel. If you love exploring new places, becoming a parent doesn’t mean giving that up. You can stay adventurous — just with a different pace.
  • Babies don’t complain about the itinerary. Sure, they might cry when they’re hungry or tired, but they’re not asking for snacks or playgrounds or throwing a fit because they don’t like the museum. Their needs are simpler — and you’re already used to meeting them.
  • It creates early family memories. Even if your baby won’t remember the trip, you will. That baby snuggled up in a carrier in a sunny park? That’s a memory you’ll hold onto forever.
  • It’s a break from your daily routine. Travel can reset your mental space. New scenery, fresh air, and time away from dishes and laundry can be refreshing, even with a baby in tow.

Cons / Challenges

  • Disrupted sleep and feeding routines. Traveling can throw off nap schedules and mealtime rhythms. It takes some flexibility (and patience) to find your flow.
  • More gear and prep. Packing for a baby means more stuff — diapers, wipes, bottles, breast pumps, backups for blowouts. It’s manageable but requires planning.
  • Less spontaneity. You’ll move slower and do fewer things in a day. Full-day itineraries or spontaneous detours aren’t always doable — and that’s okay.
  • Extra stress on travel days. Flights, long drives, or crowded places can be tougher with a baby. But with some prep, tips, and a flexible mindset, it’s still possible to have a good time.

Wondering If Traveling With a Baby Is Even Right for You?

Every parent is different! Some feel ready to hit the road at 6 weeks. Others need more time, and that’s totally okay!

If you’re still healing, deep in newborn life, or just not feeling up to it, you’re not doing anything wrong. On the flip side, if you’re craving adventure and feel mentally and physically steady, that might be your green light.

👉 Want help figuring it out? Check out my post on Should You Travel With a Baby? It walks through real signs that helped me decide when I was ready to take that first trip.

Tips If You Decide to Travel With a Baby

  • Pick gentle activities: parks, cafes, stroller walks
  • Bring the right gear: carrier or stroller (I love the Ergobaby and Doona)
  • Let naps happen anywhere: stroller, carrier, your arms at lunch
  • Skip the toy bag: everyday items like menus and cups are plenty
  • Plan your feeding method: breast, bottle, or formula before you go, so you can pack for it
  • Be ready for messes: bring extra clothes for baby and you on the ride
  • Slow down: build in buffer time for transitions

👉 Want help prepping for your trip? Check out my post on Tips for Traveling With a Baby. It covers what to pack, how to plan, and the real stories that gave me confidence.

FAQ: Traveling With a Baby

I recommend the 4 to 6 month window. They’re not mobile yet, usually nap more predictably, and can often be easily soothed with feeding or snuggles. They’re still in that portable, just-happy-to-be-with-you phase.

Some parents travel with newborns, especially to visit family. If you’re going somewhere crowded, many doctors recommend waiting until after the 2-month vaccinations. Always check with your pediatrician.

I typically don’t go back to the hotel for a nap. In my experience, both my babies were fine, happy, and just as well-rested napping on-the-go. This included naps in the carrier, stroller, or even in my arms. I even breastfed my baby while walking while she was in the baby carrier.

Feeding depends on your setup. If breastfeeding, just bring the nursing mom. If bottle-feeding breast milk or formula, you will have to prep and pack ahead. You can also feed your baby in more than 1 way on the same trip.

Essentials are a good baby carrier, stroller (Doona is my favorite), feeding supplies (bibs, milk bottles), extra clothes, diapers, and wipes. I usually co-sleep with my baby, but I’ve also requested a pack-and-play “crib” for free from hotels many times.

You can skip toys in the baby stage.

Yes, as long as your baby is healthy and your pediatrician gives the green light. Many parents from all over the world have flown with babies.

Some tips: takeoff and landing are easier if baby is feeding. The swallowing motion can help with the ear pressure. And you can entertain them with things in your environment rather than bring a whole suitcase full of toys. It’s really not necessary.

Here’s my full guide on Flying With a Baby.

I usually co-sleep and share the bed with my baby when I travel.

You can usually ask for a crib for free from hotels (it’s a pack-and-play crib usually). Just call ahead and ask. I’ve never had a problem getting one when I asked for one, but it is typically first-come first-serve.

Otherwise, you can also bring your own travel bassinet as well.

If you’re renting a car or using taxis or rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft, most likely yes. Different destinations have different rules.

If you’re only using public transportation and walking, you might be able to skip it.

The Doona stroller doubles as a car seat and stroller, which makes it easy to use it even on rideshares like Uber or Lyft.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It to Travel With Your Baby?

Traveling with a baby isn’t always easy, but for me, it was worth it.

It reminded me that I could still be me, even while figuring out motherhood. It gave me memories I’ll always hold close, like watching my baby try Cajun rice for the first time in New Orleans or seeing her light up when she met her cousin in Florida for the first time.

Yes, there were blowouts, forgotten carriers, and plenty of moments that felt hard.

But there was also joy. There was growth. There was connection.

Babies do not need big itineraries or fancy activities. They just want to be close to you. And being in a new environment together, even a simple road trip or quiet weekend away, can create memories that feel special in a totally different way.

If you’re curious, go for it. Start small, stay flexible, and see how it feels. The more you practice, the easier it becomes.

You might come home tired. But you might also come home smiling, proud, and with a deeper sense of what you are capable of as a parent.

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