10 Sanity-Saving Tips for Traveling Internationally with a Baby Under 6 Months

It’s not about sticking to a schedule—it’s about rolling with it, adjusting as you go, and keeping your baby and yourself as happy as possible.

I’ll be honest — as a first time mom, the idea of traveling with a baby under 6 months felt a little

intimidating at first. Staring at a suitcase wondering how to fit half the nursery inside, questioning whether sleep routines will survive time zones, and wondering if we’ll get any rest.

But here’s the good news: turns out this early stage is actually one of the easiest times to travel with your little one. They sleep often, don’t need entertainment around the clock, aren't on solids yet and still fly for free. With the right mindset and a bit of thoughtful planning, those first family adventures

can be surprisingly smooth. 

Whether it’s your baby’s very first flight or just a quick weekend road trip, these are the tips that helped us stay (mostly) sane, travel lighter, and actually enjoy the journey — not just survive it.

1. Choose Flight Times That Align with Your Baby’s Sleep Schedule

Whenever possible, book flights that align with your baby’s nap times or bedtime. Overnight flights can be ideal, as a sleeping baby often means a smoother trip for everyone. Also, be sure to reserve a bassi-net in advance—these are limited and often first-come, first-served. Before confirming, check the bassi-net dimensions with your airline to ensure it’s the right fit for your baby, as sizes can vary and some are quite small.

2. Confirm Baby-Friendly Amenities with the Hotel Before Booking

Before you book, call the hotel to ask if they provide essentials like cribs, blackout curtains, a kettle, a steriliser, and rooms located in quieter areas away from noise. If the hotel has a swimming pool, see if they offer infant floats—this is a fantastic opportunity to introduce your baby to the water. You might

be surprised at how naturally babies move in water; I was amazed watching my little one instinctively paddle across the lap pool!

3. Find the Right Balance: Busy Cities Can Be Baby-Friendly Too

This might be a personal preference, but we found bustling cities more enjoyable than quiet, remote spots. The energy, movement, and everyday buzz kept our baby naturally entertained without much effort. Just make sure the destination has good infrastructure, easy access to baby essentials, conven-iently located feeding rooms, and minimal travel distances to keep things smooth and manageable. 

4. Practice with Travel Gear Before You Go

Get your baby used to napping in the stroller, sitting in the car seat for longer periods, and being carried in a baby carrier. It makes transitions smoother on the go. A little practice at home can go

a long way in helping your baby feel secure and comfortable in new environments.

5. Bring Ziplock Bags — Lots of Them

Use them for dirty clothes, used bibs, snack storage, or surprise messes. They take no space and are lifesavers more often than you think.

6. Use a White Noise device to Recreate Sleep Environments

Hotels and flights can be full of unfamiliar sounds, which may disrupt your baby’s sleep. A white noise device can help mask the noise and mimic the comforting sounds of home — or even the womb. While I don’t typically use it at home, it’s definitely a game-changer when traveling. Here's the one I use.

7. Use Airport Nursing Rooms or Lounges Strategically

These quiet spaces are great not just for feeding, but also for soothing a fussy baby before boarding. It’s important to do your research in advance—not all airports offer nursing rooms. If you’re a breast-feeding mother, make sure to check this before choosing your destination to avoid surprises.

8. Schedule Downtime Into Your Day

Aim for just one main activity per day to keep things manageable. Babies need space in the day for naps, quiet feeds, and downtime to avoid becoming tired and overstimulated. Plan for lunches over dinners, as babies are usually more settled earlier in the day, making mealtimes smoother and more enjoyable for everyone

9. Hide a Few New Toys for the Journey

Introduce them one by one during the flight or meal outings — novelty helps keep baby engaged without screen time.

10. Take a Muslin Cloth Everywhere

Muslin wraps are the MVP of travel: use them as a blanket, sunshade, changing mat, burp cloth, or nursing cover.

So yes, traveling with a tiny human can be a bit of a circus — but it’s also full of magic. There were moments we were exhausted, but also moments I’ll never forget: nursing under twinkling airport lights, watching my baby’s eyes light up at a new sound or face, and feeling like, hey, maybe we can do this ‘travelling with a baby’ thing after all. You won’t get it perfect (spoiler: no one does), but with a little prep and a lot of grace, those early adventures can become some of your favorite memories.

Hope these tips help you feel a little more confident — and a lot more excited — for your own journey ahead.