The Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Your Baby/Kids! (Part 01)

Today's episode: Skeptics Unite

Welcome to your super deep dive into traveling with a baby or young kids. Buckle up, we're jumping in!

Jump To:

• Baby Passports

• Airport Security with Baby in Tow

• Checked vs. Carry-On Luggage

• Travel Stroller & Car Seat Systems

• Sleeping Arrangements

Flying with Your Baby for the First Time? 

It’s beyond question nerve-wracking. We took our first flight with AJ when she was a fresh nine weeks old, and guess what? Easiest flight ever. Tiny babies are sometimes magical like that – eat, sleep, and repeat. I felt like queen travel mom.

Then came the flights at ages five months, six months, and up. Let’s just say my travel crown slipped a bit. It gets more challenging but just keep reminding yourself it’s worth it. In our experience, she’s had some flights where she’s fussier than others, but fortunately – and knocking repeatedly on wood – she’s taken to flying pretty well.

Real Talk: It’s Hardest on You.

The truth is, the hardest part of flying isn’t your baby. It’s you. Specifically, your anxiety. “What if she cries? What if she doesn’t stop? Do the other passengers hate us?” (Spoiler: most are too busy watching their in-flight movie to care.) I’ve worked hard to find my inner Zen – reminding myself that:

1. The flight will end. The flight will end. The flight will end.

2. The crying will stop. The crying will stop. The crying will stop.

3. People with headphones are your best friends.

If it helps, imagine you’re on a plane with other parents who get it. And hey, if someone does give you the side-eye, remember: you’ll never see them again.

Timing is Everything

Here’s the deal: You know your baby best. AJ does great on early morning flights because, like her mom, she’s as chirpy as a plaza at sunrise. Late-night flights work too, though you’ll need to tailor your bedtime routine to a very new environment.

Late afternoons? Not our vibe. It’s AJ’s witching hour. But when it can’t be helped, we’ve learned to roll with it. And if she changes her preferences next week? That’s the parenting journey in a nutshell, right? This Type A mom is working REALLY hard on being flexible!

At WS&T, we only go into detail about flying economy class. If you’ve racked up a bunch of points and are able to fly business class, that is AWESOME.

Try not to look down on the rest of us as we file past you to our coach seats...

So, How Do You Get a Baby Passport?

US Baby Passports: The Cutest Legal Document You'll Ever See

Getting a passport for your infant is a rite of passage (with picture you'll laugh about forever). We got AJ a passport when she was nine weeks old, and T had to hold her head up for the photo. It was so precious.

To get a passport for your infant, check out this detailed guide on the U.S. State Department website:

The Baby US Passport Checklist (Bureaucracy, but Make it Cute)

1. Print and Fill Out the Application Form

   Pro tip: Don’t let your baby try to fill it out – those tiny hands are terrible at paperwork.

2. Bring Baby’s Birth Certificate

3. You’ll need the original and a copy. The original will be mailed back to you with the passport.

4. Show Up (Both Parents, if Possible)

   If both parents can make it, great! The birth certificate will prove your relationship to the baby. If only one parent can attend, check the extra documentation requirements.

5. IDs + Copies for Mom and Dad

6. Passport Photo Time!

7. Make an appointment at a passport photo location near you. We recommend participating USPS offices.

8. Fees, Fees, Fees

   Bring the payment, and maybe some snacks—because bureaucracy works on its own schedule.

Timeline Tip

They’ll tell you it takes 4-6 weeks, but ours arrived in just three (cue the happy dance). Need it faster? Shell out for expedited service and quicker turnaround.

For more details, check out the U.S. State Department website.

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What is it Like Getting Through the Airport & Security with Your Baby?

 After many flights, my family and I have a good system down, though yours will vary based on how much luggage you like to bring (see our luggage breakdown below!).

Step 1: Dress for Success and Arrive Early (but Not Too Early)

Pack yourself a change of shirt for the plane in case things get messy – on a long enough timeline, they will. Dress the kid(s) for comfort and ease. We love the Magnetic Me’s because they are lightweight but offer good coverage. The material is the perfect blend of cozy and stretch, and they’re super easy for diaper changes. Check out our gear up page for all of our travel product picks!

We aim to arrive 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight. Why? Because babies operate on a "fuss window" timer, and the less downtime before boarding, the better. Add extra time if you're juggling overseas travel or busy seasons.

Step 2: Baby-Wearing Works for Us

We use our stroller to move our personal items and car seat through the airport. So, baby-wearing through the checkpoint has been key. Bonus: So far, I’ve never been asked to remove AJ from her carrier for the metal detector, which is one less thing to stress about.

Step 3: TSA Pre-Check Is Your Best Friend

I’m a total convert. If you’re from the US, it really makes all the difference. Imagine breezing through security – often in 15 minutes or less – without having to untie your shoes or pull out your liquids. With TSA Pre-Check, that dream can come true. And good news: your kiddo can tag along until they turn 17 (as long as they’re on your reservation).

WS&T Travel Tip: TSA Pre-Check costs $85 for five years, but many travel credit cards cover the fee as one of their benefits. Read more on my favorite travel credit card here.

Apply here for TSA Pre-Check. Schedule a brief interview at numerous locations – often you won’t need to go to the airport for the approval interview.

If you’re interested in applying, start here.

But Wait… Should I Get Global Entry Instead?

If your travels take you across international borders more often, Global Entry might be your VIP pass to sanity. It includes all the access benefits of TSA Pre-Check (hello, shorter lines!) but adds expedited customs processing when you re-enter the U.S. 

The Basics

• Global Entry Cost: $120 for a five-year membership (and it includes all Pre-Check benefits).

• Pre-Check Only Cost: $85 for five years (and it doesn’t include Global Entry).

• Use Case: Global Entry is ideal if you fly internationally often; Pre-Check is more suited for frequent domestic travelers.

Why We Chose Pre-Check Over Global Entry

We mostly fly domestically, so Pre-Check is the MVP in our household. It’s more practical for shorter trips, where the biggest annoyance is standing in long security lines with a stroller and baby gear.

Confession Time: My Bermuda Mishap

Okay, full disclosure: I tried to get Global Entry, but… I got rejected. Why? A youthful run-in involving Customs in Bermuda that somehow followed me for 15 years (the drinking age is 18 in Bermuda; McLovin ID, you get it). Who knew an innocent misunderstanding (seriously!) could haunt your permanent record? So, Pre-Check it is.

Anyway, back to the sage advice…

Step 4: Post-Security Baby Olympics

Once you’re through security, it’s a question of keeping your child entertained (i.e. tiring them out) until boarding. Lately, we've been spreading a Toki Mat by our gate and letting her practice her interpretative baby yoga moves. (Wow, that sentence was so neatly granola, it should have been a haiku). Sometimes Toki sells imperfect mats at a discount.

The padding is key for catching the Leaning Tower of AJ during her frequently toppling phase. A sigh of relief every time you see her tip backward and the hard airport floor isn't cracking her little head.

We use that mat interchangeably with the more compact Crate & Kids mat, depending on how much luggage we're schlepping (or what we're able to sneak into our gate check bags). The Fold & Go folds down even smaller than the Toki.

My sister uses and swears by her Bloom Play & Go, which is awesome but a little schwanky for us (put it on your registry!). Despite it's larger size, the Bloom still folds down incredibly small. She straps it into her car seat before gate checking.

Step 5: Last Pre-Flight Diaper

We change her diaper one more time before the flight, buying us some extra time before we have to brave the tiny plane bathroom. Getting off the flight, we’ll often find a family/companion care bathrooms for a group trip.

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Packing for Travel with a Baby: A Real Puzzle

Packing for travel with a baby or young kid is… insane. How does something so small needs so much stuff?

In my backpacking days, I was a pack-light queen. I had a whole system and could throw everything together in a few hours the night before a trip. Now it’s more like a full military operation – with lists, categories, and a million tiny items you didn’t know existed until you had a baby. But don’t worry, with a system in place, it gets easier. Here’s what we’ve learned:

TSA can't resist a man in a kilt. Be sure your carry-on salsa is under 3 oz. or you'll be asked to drink it.

Should I Check Luggage or Carry On? 

My husband and I are obstinate carry-on-ers, so we’ll jump through a lot of hoops to stick with carry-on only. Before our first trip, we did a trial run of carrying baby + bags to make sure we could actually move through the airport.

This strategy will become a lot harder (maybe impossible!) with another kid, but for now, we've got a good system.

Our Carry-On Stratagem:

• Parent’s Bags: T carries a trusty Osprey 40L backpack with his essentials, while I wheel my beloved Away “The Bigger Carry-On.”

WS&T Travel Tip: Different planes, different requirements. Sure, it fit in the overhead bin on that international flight. But if you’re flying a smaller plane in-country, you may be stuck checking that backpack, either at the gate or in advance.

Baby Bag

Next up, we have our main diaper bag, aka AJ's luggage.I’m obsessed with our Dagne Dover diaper bag backpack – it’s a lifesaver. They have really good Black Friday sales.

Personal Item

Don't forget about the under-seat bag that qualifies as your "personal item" per the airline. Better you think of it as the Day Tripper, smaller than your full-sized diaper bag, this small under-seat-day-tripping-personal-item-diaper-snack bag *phew* should be ideal for short travel trips when a full diaper bag is overkill.

We've opted for a great bag with a gender neutral look so a certain parent can feel his comfort, grace, and swagger. (T still blushes every time he slings my Ube purple Dagne over-shoulder, so I'm speaking directly to him). Check out the well-priced, very functional Hap Tim under-seat diaper backpack.

Maneuvering Through the Airport

T wheels the stroller through the airport, piled high with the car seat and personal bag. T carries his backpack, while E baby-wears and wheels the Away suitcase with the Dagne Dover fitted onto the handle (it has a little sleeve for just that purpose).

Gate Checking: A New Parent’s Best Friend

Gate checking is our secret weapon for bulky baby gear. Here’s what we do:

1. Use large, cheap zip-up bags (thanks, Amazon!) to protect stroller and car seat. In some instances, an airline will let you gate check a stroller and/or car seat without requiring them to be in bags. But not always, so don’t risk it.

2. Stash extra items like a blanket or diapers inside a stroller or car seat bag for extra padding. (Shh, we won’t tell.)

Now, that’s our system for domestic travel. Full disclosure: T and I somehow managed to SHARE that small 40L Osprey backpack on our trip to Colombia because we wanted to travel super light. I know, I know. But that’s our personal preference.

Which reminds me, packing cubes are life-affirming! There's nothing worse than packing like you're going to squeeze through the eye of a needle, only to have a TSA spot check shoot everything out like one of those snakes-in-a-can gags.

Please Explain Why Packing Cubes Don't Come Standard With EVERY Suitcase Purchase?

If you're sharing a bag with a partner, or just want to make travel life easier during a trip of packing and unpacking, grab some multi-size compressible cubes. You'll never go back.

We always aim to avoid having to wait at baggage claim. But if you pack more, or you prefer not to lug everything through the airport, or you have older kids who need more gear, you can always check some bags to feel less like a pack mule while walking through the terminal.

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What Car Seat and Stroller Should I Bring on My Trip?

This question can drive any new parent completely insane. I researched strollers and car seats until my eyeballs turned red—and I was this close to pulling my hair out. In the end, here’s what I learned and what we finally landed on.

Just remember: there is no perfect system. Every option has pros and cons, and as soon as you think you’ve found “The One,” your baby will grow out of it. So at a certain point, you just have to pick something and go for it. It’ll be fine!

WS&T Packing Tip: Don’t get too bogged down in Reddit subs, Facebook boards, and endless review sites. It’s way too much information, and people get really opinionated. It's like finding an apartment. If you know you can't live without on-site parking and in-home laundry, you might be willing to sacrifice on some other features.

Decide what's most important to you and pull the trigger. Otherwise, you'll never get out of the stroller/car seat game alive.

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Travel Car Seats:

Infant-Safe Car Seat:

We currently use the Uppababy Mesa car seat, which we scored in great condition on Facebook Marketplace. (Side note: If you need to clean a particularly snack-crusted car seat, take it to a self-car-wash station and use the spray hose – works like a charm!)

Because it’s such a crucial safety item – especially on a long road trip – we’ve decided to travel with our own car seat so we always know what we’re getting.

Lightweight and Budget-Friendly

When AJ grows out of her infant car seat, we will traveling with the

Cosco Scenera NEXT. It’s a hugely popular, budget-friendly travel seat – and for good reason:

Cosco Scenera NEXT Pros

• Affordable: usually between $44–$59.

• Lightweight: only 6.8 lbs.!

• Highly rated in crash tests (though not the plushest).

• Rear-facing limit: up to 35 lbs. or 36 inches.

  
  

Scenera NEXT Cons

• Installation with a seatbelt can be a bit trickier than your average car seat.

• No big handle, so it’s less convenient to carry around.

  
  

At some point, you might just bite the bullet and bring your (heavier) regular car seat on trips. But for little ones up to about +/- 2.5 years, the Cosco Scenera NEXT can be a real game-changer.

If you’re traveling to a destination where you have access to a car seat (or if your rental car company can provide one), you may not need to lug your own through the airport. Just be sure to figure out how you’re getting to and from your home airport: whether that means ordering an Uber with a car seat option or arranging a safe ride another way. Safety first!

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Travel Strollers

Infant-Friendly Travel Stroller

After an unhinged amount of research, we ended up with a super affordable travel stroller: the Snap N’ Go. 

It’s basically a frame that lets you clip in any car seat in the world, no adapters required. One of the most convenient features of our regular stroller is being able to pop the car seat right on, so having that ability on the go is huge.

We paid around $90 for it. For a glorified granny shopping cart, it has surprisingly survived 20+ flights and multiple countries. Does it handle like a dream? Definitely not. We practically hug our Uppababy Vista (another Facebook Marketplace find!) when we get home. Still, the Snap N’ Go more than earns its keep for a few reasons:

1. We don’t care if it gets banged up. We’ve all seen those viral TikToks of airport staff tossing strollers around. If it gets damaged, well… it’s already paid for itself.

2. It’s much lighter than our regular stroller. One of our main goals is to stay nimble while traveling; hauling a 17-pound stroller around the world is not ideal.

3. It has a big storage basket. Perfect for stashing a diaper bag, souvenirs, or extra snacks.

4. We don’t rely on a stroller overseas. In many foreign cities, there are cobblestones, hills, and bustling tourist areas that aren’t exactly stroller-friendly. We mostly use the Snap N’ Go for cruising through airports, hitting the occasional museum, or giving our baby a “seat” at the lunch table.

Money Saver: Every stroller company has a sexy travel case that perfectly fits their product, but we’ve been totally fine with our much cheaper Amazon bags for stroller and car seat.

BUT…

If you’re traveling with an expensive stroller which you purchased new, I do recommend splurging on the manufacturer-specific travel case. (E.g. If you purchased a new Uppababy stroller and use the Uppababy travel case, they should compensate you for travel damage.)

WS&T Travel Tip: Take a photos and/or video of your stroller before the flight and check it as soon as you retrieve it from gate check or baggage claim. If it’s damaged, take photos and go right away to the service desk for your airline. Each airline has a different policy, but on some airlines, you can fill out paperwork and get compensation for the damage. Other airlines only offer travel vouchers, so check the airline policy before you fly.

Can I Just Bring My Regular Stroller?

Go With What You Know

You can always travel with your regular stroller and car seat if that’s what makes you most comfortable. The main downsides are the weight of non-travel strollers and the risk of damage.

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Compact Travel Strollers: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly

All-In-One Travel Stroller Systems (aka Doona vs. Evenflo)

If you’re considering a convenient, all-in-one car seat and stroller combo, here are two popular options:

Doona Car Seat & Stroller: This is a big hit with many traveling families – we often spot it at airports. Before we decided on our Snap N’ Go, we actually considered renting a Doona from a baby gear rental service to test it out. That’s definitely something you could do before investing.

Buyer Beware: 

I spent several weeks hunting for a used Doona on Facebook Marketplace, but every single listing turned out to be a scam. I’m not sure why Doonas specifically attracted scammers, but here’s what tipped me off:

• They messaged me constantly (normal sellers aren’t that persistent).

• They addressed me as “ma’am” in a strange way (just felt off).

• Most importantly, they wanted a Venmo deposit up front. Never send money before you’ve actually got the product in hand!

     Doona Pros:

• All-in-one car seat and stroller, so you only manage one piece of baby gear.

• FAA approved if you purchase an airplane seat for your baby and need a car seat on board.

• Great if you’re in and out of Ubers or taxis – no need to lug around a separate stroller.

• Easily collapsible.

• Ideal for big city living with lots of public transport or quick taxi rides.

Doona Cons:

• Price: it costs around $550 (without accessories).

• Weighs 16.5 pounds on its own, so things get heavy fast.

• The handle is pretty short, which can be awkward for taller parents.

• Can be a little clunky to load into a car.

• Not approved for use in Canada.

• Minimal storage and limited sun canopy – you might need to bring a light blanket or an extra shade.

• Good for babies up to 35 lbs, and it’s rear-facing only.

Evenflo Shyft Dualride: This is the other stroller/car seat combo option. This is a fan favorite – except for the weight.

            Evenflo Pros:

• Offers the same main benefits as the Doona, plus it’s typically more comfortable for baby, has a bigger sun shade, and is Canada-approved.

• Better price: around $375 (without accessories).

• Both Doona and Evenflo Shyft have the same weight/height limits (up to 35 lbs/32 inches), but parents report they can use the Evenflo longer due to its design.

• Taller stroller handle—more comfortable for taller caregivers.

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            Evenflo Cons:

• The heaviest combo option: about 19 lbs with the car seat and stroller components (without the base).

• Unlike the Doona, you have to remove the front wheels to install it as a car seat without the base (which you’ll likely do if traveling).

  
  

What About When My Baby Can Sit Up on Their Own?

Even though I was convinced AJ would stay my sweet, tiny baby forever, leading research suggested she would have to grow up. Here’s the direction I went when she could sit up by herself.

Travel Stroller:

Once your baby can sit upright, a whole new world of super-compact travel strollers opens up. There are several similar models out there—each with its own features and price point. You’ll find fans who swear by every option, so you can’t really go wrong. Check for secondhand deals, too!

In general, going cheaper makes sense for travel strollers. If it gets banged around or lost, you’ll be less devastated. Plus, if you’re like us, you might not use it a ton while actually on the road.

Also, word to the wise: your fold-up travel stroller counts as one of your carry-on items, so make sure you've counted your bags before you try to board. Check with your specific airline to see if you're allowed to bring an extra carry-on for baby (e.g. many airlines allow an extra diaper bag); in that case, you'll be okay bringing your travel stroller onboard along with your normal allotted luggage. Worst case, you can bring a case for the travel stroller and gate-check.

Friends swear by their GB Pocket!

Here are a few popular lightweight contenders (most fit in an airplane’s overhead bin):

• Gb Pockit All Terrain: 12.3 lbs, around $188.

• Mamazing Ultra Air: 11.6 lbs, around $219.

• Colugo Compact Stroller: 16 lbs, around $225.

• Uppababy Minu V2: 16.9 lbs, around $400; might fit overhead.

• Bugaboo Butterfly: 16 lbs, $479.

  
  

T: AJ's First flight! E: You cannot convince me she was ever that small.

What about baby-wearing while traveling?

I love baby-wearing because it enables me to be much more mobile and flexible while we sight-see. T and I often switch off wearing AJ, though I tend to wear her more often because I love sniffing her head. And it’s a great workout!

I’m sure you’ve figured out which carrier you like, and the great thing about wraps and carriers is that you can easily take them on the road. We use the Ergobaby Embrace which I find quite… ergonomic – as the name suggests. T finds it a little less comfortable for him over long periods. When AJ got to the age where she wanted to be outward-facing, we switched to the Ergobaby Omni Classic. We're big fans!

We are excited to start using a kid backpack soon where AJ can really see the sights in a seated position. Our fellow traveling parents love using backpacks around cities and on hiking trails. We will report back about our favorites.

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Ah, Sweet Sleep. What About a Bed for My Baby While We Travel?

Pre-Rolling Babies (a.k.a. the Easy Phase)

Before your baby learns to roll, travel sleep setups are a breeze. Starting with swaddles, we looked for breathable materials that could adapt to changes in temperature from hotels, Air Bnbs, etc. My God, we used so many (fortunately, most were hand-me-downs). Some made her sweaty and some left her limbs too cold. We had luck with a couple of options that suited our needs depending on the travel climate.

Pests & The Monster Under the Bed

For an added layer of security against pests and Monsters, Inc, we often brought along a tiny collapsible tent that fit miraculously well in T's Osprey 40L backpack. The compact KidCo Pea Pod pup-tent has internal padding and a vital see-through net for peeking in on the wee incarceree.

When she was a little older  –  but still not old enough to roll  –  AJ slept like a marshmallow in her Merlin Magic Sleep Suit right on the hotel bed.

Extra bed deal at no extra charge? Pre-Roll score!

On our trip to Colombia, we booked hotel rooms with two beds, and we just put her in the middle of the bigger bed in her Merlin Magic Sleep Suit. What a cute fluff ball! This suit turned out to be a good transitional sleep solution between the full swaddle and rolling. She really liked it. We only bought one so we did need to employ our travel detergent a couple of times.

Again, this only works before they become mobile.

When the rolling started, who could say where AJ would end up!?

Post-Rolling Realities

Once your baby starts rolling, things get... interesting. Here’s what works:

1. Pack ‘n Plays: Convenient but bulky. If you’re traveling domestically, you can rent or borrow one. On one trip we found one at our destination for $30 on FB Marketplace in excellent condition, so it wasn’t a huge expenditure. For the infrequent international trip, consider buying one locally and donating it before you leave.

2. Guava Lotus Travel Crib: Lightweight, portable, and a favorite among travel parents. (It’s a splurge at $292, but worth it if you travel often.)

3. Co-Sleeping: Not for everyone, but if it works for your family, it’s a great option for logistical ease. Be sure to assess safety recommendations and what works for you. Follow the link for safety information and tips.

Where Should My Toddler Sleep While Traveling? 

For an older kid who is out of the Pack N’ Play era, here are two options:

1.     Co-Sleeping: This may be your co-sleeping moment. But make sure you’re all able to get some sleep. Nothing worse than being too exhausted to enjoy your vacation.

2.     Inflatable Bed: Once your baby graduates from the crib stage, consider an inflatable toddler bed. The Hiccapop Inflatable Travel Bed is a fan favorite – it packs down small, inflates quickly, and fits a standard crib sheet.

WS&T Travel Tip: Call Ahead. Many hotels and Airbnb listings offer cribs or Pack ‘n Plays, but it’s always useful confirming availability in advance. Nobody wants a surprise game of "Where will Baby sleep?" at check-in.

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The Packing Game

Head over to our packing list and gear essentials page for a handy guide to packing for kiddos (and all our favorite products)!

How much clothing should I pack for my baby?

How long is your trip? Will you be able to do laundry? We like to bring an eco-friendly travel sized laundry detergent so we can spot wash in the sink, but we also try to book an Airbnb or find a laundromat about halfway through our trip. The aha! moment comes when you realize you only need to bring about half a trip’s worth of clothes.

Can I buy formula, diapers, or other baby items at my destination?

Trev and I like to remind ourselves that babies live everywhere we travel. That means you’re likely to find all the major baby items including diapers, wipes, medicine, formula, and baby food at your destination. We usually pack enough for several days then supplement upon arrival. Check out our complete packing checklist.

I will say that even name-brand diapers on a recent trip to South American were notably worse than our diapers at home (shady dealings behind the scenes…), so we had to change her more often.

What if my baby is old enough for a highchair or booster seat?

You can’t count on finding highchairs as you go, and you don’t always want your kid on your lap at a restaurant. What do you do?

There are a few options for portable booster seats which we recommend once your baby needs one. Clip-on highchairs can be convenient, but there are enough instances where they’re incompatible with tables – not to mention the fact that there’s no food tray – so they’re not our top recommendation.

We love our foldable (!) booster seat: The Bombol Booster is the coolest. It’s a splurge. But it folds down to the size of a book! We love it. BUT! They recently lost their US distributor, so if you're in the US, you'll need to find one secondhand.

Stick with me for Part II of the Ultimate Travel Guide for Kids...

Part 02

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