Travelling Long Haul with Babies and Toddlers

Are you nervous about your first flight or how to take a young family overseas after all that time spent establishing habits? Snow Action speaks to Baby Expert, Lynette Moore from Baby On Board Spain and get the low down on the behaviour when high up.

I’m in the middle of toilet-training my child but I’ve got an international flight coming up. What should I do?

This is a question that causes parents a lot of stress when travelling by any means of shared transport (not only planes), mainly because they are fearing a big mess in an enclosed public space.

Things to Consider:

How you approach toilet-training during travel depends on where you’re at in the process and how confident you feel about your child using the toilet in new places. (Day) potty training is actually about teaching them to go in the right spot (not their pants) rather than just staying ‘dry’. Night potty training is a different matter for another day.

Children are sensitive to your mood, so if you’re stressed about combining travel and day potty training, it won’t be fun for anyone. Also, putting them back in a diaper (nappy)  temporarily won’t undo all your progress (I promise), so don’t worry too much. And keep in mind, unfamiliar airport or plane toilets can be intimidating.

If You Want to Go For It: If you feel confident about it, talk to your child in an age-appropriate way. Explain you’re going on a big adventure in airports and on planes and they’ll use different toilets or a travel potty. Consider bringing along a travel potty or seat reducer (a mini potty), plus plenty of changes of clothes, wipes, and a wet bag. Stick to your usual training methods – don’t try to make big changes while travelling. Also, bring a waterproof pad (or 2) for the plane seat, and make sure to offer bathroom breaks before boarding and after meals or naps.

I’ve got my baby on a feeding routine but I’ve got an upcoming flight that crosses a few time zones. What should I do?  I’m concerned about feeding routines.

Travelling with a breast or bottlefeeding baby might seem daunting, but with the right planning, it can be a smooth and enjoyable experience. 

Shift Their Schedule in Advance
If possible, shift your baby’s sleep and feeding times by 15-30 minutes each day for a few days before the flight to help sync their body clock with the new time zone. Shift it forwards or backwards depending on the end time zone. 

Stay Flexible
Routines are helpful, but be ready to adapt. Travel can be unpredictable, so adjust feeding times based on your baby’s hunger or your schedule.

Plan Feedings During the Flight
Flights are a good time for feeding, especially if your baby sleeps or nurses during the flight. Have extra bottles or nurse during takeoff/landing to ease ear pressure.

Hydration is Important
The dry air in planes can dehydrate your baby, so offer smaller, frequent feeds and ensure they have enough fluids throughout the journey.  No water though unless they are over 6 months old!

After Arrival
Once you arrive  – expose your baby to daylight to help reset their body clock. Don’t stress if they don’t adjust immediately—it can take a few days.

Stay Calm
Your baby picks up on your stress, so always try to stay calm and patient. Use their routine as a guide but stay flexible.

What’s the best way to get toddlers to sleep on an international flight (flying economy class)?

Pick Evening Flights: Book late flights to match  your child’s usual bedtime. Start the bedtime routine at the airport—pjamas and brushing teeth, diaper on (if applicable) – to help wind down.

Choose the Right Seat: The middle seat (for you) can be ideal when travelling with little kids to avoid them having to sit next to strangers.

Serve Sleep-Friendly Foods: Offer slow-release carbs like oatmeal to help your toddler feel sleepy. Bring lots and lots of snacks, especially for picky eaters!

Create a Relaxing Environment: Avoid screens before bed – the blue light can make sleep worse. Instead, bring colouring books, puzzles, and stickers. If you can fit one in your hand luggage, bring a weighted blanket or play calming meditation music to them through earphones.

Stick to Routine: Pack familiar items like a favourite blanket or stuffed animal to help signal sleep.

Dress Comfortably: Choose soft, cozy clothes to help them sleep better.

Bring a Travel Pillow and/or Sleep Cushion/Hammock: Make the seat more comfortable with a travel pillow or blanket.
Also, consider purchasing products like a child’s inflatable sleep cushion or hammock, which will create an extendible area where they can stretch out and sleep (and later – play!).

Encourage Movement: Let them burn off energy before bedtime by walking around the airport, and once onboard – around the plane cabin.

Prepare for Short Naps: Toddlers often nap in shorter bursts on flights, so don’t expect long stretches.

What suggestions do you have for getting babies (or toddlers) settled in holiday accommodation?

Settling babies or toddlers into holiday accommodation can be tricky, but with a little preparation and patience, you can make the process easier for both you and them! Here are my top tips to help:

Bring Familiar Items
Pack comfort items like their favourite blanket or toy to make the new place feel less scary. Stick to their bedtime routine with favourite lullabies or a white noise machine (or App on your phone) for easier settling.

Create a Comfortable Sleep Space
Bring a travel crib or bassinet if needed – or ensure your accommodation will have one. Bring portable blackout blinds and white noise to recreate an optimum sleep environment.

Explore the Accommodation Together
Let your baby or toddler explore the space with you, before bedtime, to feel comfortable. 

Maintain Your Routine
Try to keep daily routines like naps and bath time. Stay flexible in case of delays or changes.

Consider a High Chair
Bring a portable booster seat (inflatable can be a good option here) or check if the accommodation provides one.

Prepare for Separation Anxiety
New surroundings can trigger clinginess. Offer extra comfort and reassurance, and don’t worry if your child needs time to adjust.

Plan for Entertainment
Keep them busy with toys and books. Plus plenty of outdoor time!

Take Your Time
Don’t rush the settling process. Give your child time to adjust, and be patient.  Don’t make any big plans for night one!

Prepare for Jet Lag (If Travelling Far)
Adjust your child’s sleep schedule before you travel so you can hopefully adapt quickly to the new time zone.

Bonus Tip: Book family-friendly accommodations with amenities like cribs or high chairs to make your stay easier.

By sticking to routines and bringing familiar comforts, you can help your little one feel at ease in new surroundings.

About the Author
Lynette Moore is a British mum of 1 living in Madrid, Spain, since 2013.  She runs Baby On Board Spain – a maternity company providing pre and postnatal support and education to English speakers in Spain.  She is an avid traveller (having visited over 25 countries), and has extensive personal experience of travelling internationally with a little one in tow!

For travellers visiting Spain, Baby On Board offers tailored pregnancy and family tourism services, helping tourists to find local Maternity Care, Medical Assistance, Family Support, Accommodation, Leisure Activities, and Wellness Providers.

To find out more, visit: https://www.babyonboardspain.com/