When you’re holding a newborn who’s spitting up on your shirt or cluster feeding for the fifth time that morning, the idea of planning a trip might feel… impossible.
But then you see someone else traveling with a baby on Instagram. Or you hear about a friend’s road trip with a 4-month-old. And you start to wonder: Should I do this too? Could I?
It’s okay to ask this question!
If you’re stuck in that in-between space of “I want to go” and “Is this a terrible idea?”, you’re not alone. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there are a few things that can help you decide if now is the right time for your family.
This post will walk you through the real factors to consider — not what you should do, but what might actually work for you.
Benefits of Traveling With a Baby
Traveling with a baby is definitely different, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. For me, those early trips helped me reconnect with parts of myself that felt lost in the chaos of new motherhood. And along the way, I discovered some surprising upsides to having a baby in tow.
You still get to travel
Before kids, travel was something I genuinely loved. It made me feel alive and curious and me. So when we took our first trip as new parents on a road trip to San Diego when my daughter was 2 months old, it reminded me that I could still do things I loved.
Just differently. Slower.
With more diaper changes.
But still doable.
Babies don’t complain about the itinerary
They might cry when they’re hungry or tired, sure. But they’re not arguing over where to eat or begging for toys or ice cream.
On our trip to New Orleans when my daughter was 11 months old, she was just happy to explore with us. She tried Cajun rice at the restaurant, sat content in her carrier, and napped while we walked the city.
Honestly, it was easier in many ways than traveling with a toddler.
It creates early family memories
Some people ask, “Why travel if the baby won’t remember it?” But you will.
I’ll always remember breastfeeding my baby in the carrier with a nursing cover as we continued walking through the UC Berkeley campus. Or watching her gently reach out to tap her little cousin’s arm in Florida, meeting her for the first time.
These moments aren’t just for your baby. They’re for you, too.
It’s a break from your daily routine
Even with a baby, being somewhere new can be a mental reset.
No piles of laundry staring at you, no kitchen to clean, no toys to pickup after.
Just walking outside with the stroller, finding a park, eating something delicious. Sometimes that’s enough to feel refreshed.
And in early parenthood, a tiny refresh can go a long way.
👉 Curious what it’s really like to travel with a baby? I break down the real pros and cons in Traveling With a Baby: Is It Worth It?
When Traveling With a Baby Might Be a Yes
If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to plan a trip, here are a few signs that it might be a good fit for your family.
If You Genuinely Enjoy Travel
If seeing new places fills you up, having a baby doesn’t have to put that part of you on hold. Yes, you’ll move slower. Yes, you’ll pack more. But the joy of exploring together can make it all feel worth it.
If even the idea of a trip excites you (even just a little), that’s a good sign you’re ready to consider it.
If You Feel Mentally and Physically Ready
The early postpartum weeks can be brutal — physically, emotionally, and sleep-wise. If you’re still in survival mode, it’s okay to wait.
I felt like shit in those first four weeks of my first child. I was sore, sleep-deprived, and constantly on call for someone else’s needs. My body hurt, my brain felt foggy, and any sense of “me time” had disappeared. I barely had the energy to walk around the block — let alone pack for a trip. Our first outing to Target felt like a milestone.
But if you’re feeling more steady, like you can handle a little adventure with your baby, it might be time to go for it.
👉 Feeling ready to try your first trip? These Tips for Traveling With a Baby will help you prepare for what to expect.
If Baby Has a Predictable Sleep and Feed Rhythm
We found that the 4 to 6 month window was a sweet spot. Our baby was still small, not yet crawling, and happy to nap in the stroller or carrier.
Around four months, naps started falling into more of a rhythm. That’s when we planned a road trip to Berkeley, and it made all the difference. I wasn’t watching the clock every second, and I could enjoy a meal out without stressing about the next meltdown.
That bit of predictability made travel days smoother and way less stressful.
👉 Wondering how to keep up with feeds on the go? Here’s how I handled Feeding My Baby on Vacation, including pumping, bottles, and breastfeeding on the move. (coming soon)
If Baby is Sleeping Through the Night (or Close Enough)
You don’t need a perfectly sleeping baby to travel, but getting more rest definitely helps. When you’re less exhausted, you’re less cranky, and everything feels more manageable, from airport lines to time zone changes.
If You’re Craving a Change of Scenery
Sometimes you just need to get out of your house and your routine. A weekend away, a road trip to see family, or even a staycation in a new part of town can give your tired parent brain a much-needed refresh.
When Traveling With a Baby Might Not Be the Right Time
There’s no shame in deciding to wait. Sometimes, the timing just isn’t right — and that’s okay.
If You’re Still Deep in the Newborn Fog
Those first few weeks (or months) can feel like one long blur of feedings, blowouts, and exhaustion. In the thick of it, I was Googling “how to increase my milk supply when pumping” and “is breastfeeding supposed to hurt?” at 3 a.m. I wasn’t in the headspace to do anything beyond survive.
If you’re barely making it through the day, give yourself permission to stay home and rest. Travel will still be there later.
If You’re Anxious About Baby’s Health
We started introducing our baby to friends and family pretty early, but we followed our pediatrician’s advice to avoid big crowds until after the 2-month vaccinations. That gave us peace of mind. You get to decide what feels safe and right for your family.
If You’re Forcing It
If you’re only planning a trip because you feel like you should — maybe to prove something or keep up with someone else — pause. Traveling with a baby can be beautiful, but it’s not something you have to do. If the idea of planning, packing, or leaving your comfort zone makes you totally anxious, it’s fine to wait.
You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone.
Final Thoughts: Traveling With a Baby
There’s no perfect time to travel with a baby — only the time that feels right for you.
One of the trips I was most nervous about was a 5-hour flight to Orlando, Florida, yet it ended up being one of the best. I trusted myself, made peace with things not going perfectly, and my 8-month daughter handled it better than I expected. That gave me so much confidence moving forward.
If you’re craving adventure and feeling steady enough to try, go for it.
If you’re in the thick of postpartum and just need to rest, that’s valid too. There is no gold star for taking a trip before you’re ready.
You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. Whether your baby’s first trip is across the world or just to grandma’s house, the most important thing is that you feel good about it.
Trust yourself. You already know what your baby needs. You also know what you need.
And whatever choice you make, whether it’s to go, to stay, or to wait a little longer, it’s the right one.
👉 Ready to go for it? Get all my best Tips for Traveling With a Baby and make your trip a little easier.
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