Our Favourite Tips for Travelling with Young Kids

Many families choose to travel with their little ones over half term break which can often be a stressful experience. Long car journeys, tense plane ride and a new home environment can all present their own unique challenges.

To address these common travel nuances, we have gathered some of our favourite tips which may help guide you along the way:

When you're on the move, a baby carrier or sling can be a true lifesaver. Particularly in situations where your buggy has been checked in and you're dealing with a connecting flight, having your baby comfortably secured to you makes things far easier. Not only does it free up your hands, but it also helps keep your baby calm and content during unfamiliar transitions.

Babies naturally feel safest when close to their caregiver, and a carrier provides that familiar reassurance in new and often overwhelming environments. The Izmi Wrap is a standout choice for travel -  it’s lightweight, compact enough to tuck into your hand luggage, and made from soft yet supportive bamboo fabric. Its breathable design helps regulate your baby’s temperature, making it suitable for warm or cooler climates alike.

Designed for babies weighing between 2.3kg and 9kg, the Izmi Essential Wrap offers a snug and ergonomic fit. It’s not only ideal for use in transit, but also once you arrive -perfect for strolls through cobbled streets, navigating stairs, or even walking along a sandy beach where prams are impractical. Its supportive design distributes your baby’s weight evenly across your shoulders and back, making carrying more comfortable over longer periods.

If you're planning to use a travel cot while away, it can really help to introduce it to your baby a few days before you leave. Setting it up in their usual bedroom and letting them nap or sleep in it for a few nights helps build familiarity. When you reach your holiday destination, the travel cot will already feel like a known and comforting space, making sleep in a new environment much easier.

It’s also important to dress your baby appropriately for sleep, based on the room’s temperature. If your little one usually sleeps in a swaddle - great for reducing the startle reflex and mimicking the cosy feel of the womb - make sure you're using one with a suitable TOG rating for the climate.

The Love To Dream Swaddle Up™ is a smart option for travel. It’s available in a range of temperature ratings, so you can pick the right one for your destination. These swaddles are also compact and lightweight, making them perfect for fitting into your luggage. For older babies, Love To Dream™ also offers sleep suits and sleep bags in various temperature options, so you can stick with what your baby knows, wherever you are.

When travelling with both a toddler and a younger sibling, a buggy board can be a convenient and space-saving alternative to a double buggy. It attaches to most prams and allows your toddler to hop on when tired, without taking up the space or weight of a second seat. Using a buggy board also encourages independence, giving your toddler the choice to walk part of the way and ride when needed.

The Lascal Maxi Plus BuggyBoard® is a versatile option that offers both sitting and standing positions. This added choice can be especially useful on longer walks, during family holiday outings, or in places where little legs get tired quickly. Having the option to switch between standing and sitting gives your toddler a sense of control, while also making it easier for parents to keep everyone moving smoothly.

For both babies and toddlers, it can be very helpful to continue using your usual bedtime routine while on holiday. Familiar cues like a particular book, white noise, or a favourite lullaby help signal that it’s time for sleep, even in a new environment. If you usually read the same books each night or use a white noise machine, be sure to pack these. Also remember to bring enough travel adapters if any of your devices need power.

Try to spend some time in the bedroom outside of sleep times so your child becomes familiar with the space and feels more comfortable in it. For toddlers especially, it helps to show them where they will be sleeping earlier in the day and talk about it in a positive way. If they use a comfort item such as a teddy or blanket, make sure this is part of the bedtime routine while away.

It can also be reassuring for your child to know where you will be sleeping, particularly if you're not sharing a room. Letting them see your sleeping space helps them feel more secure and makes it easier for them to settle, knowing you're close by if needed. If your toddler is sleeping in a bed, take a moment to check the room for safety—ensure there are no small objects that could pose a choking risk, block off access to stairs or water, and make sure any furniture is stable and secure.

Fred Safety offers a range of lightweight, travel-friendly safety products that can help baby-proof your accommodation without any hassle. Door slam stoppers help prevent little fingers from getting caught, while anti-tip kits can be used to secure lightweight furniture and reduce the risk of accidents. A Choke Tester is also a useful tool for checking that small objects within reach aren’t a choking hazard. All of these items are compact enough to fit easily in your luggage, require no tools for installation, and leave no sticky residue behind when removed—making them ideal for temporary setups while you're away from home.

If you’re travelling to a different time zone, helping your child adjust gradually can make the transition smoother for everyone. One of the most effective ways to support this is by exposing them to natural light in the morning, which helps reset their circadian rhythm (the body’s internal 24-hour clock). In the evening, keeping the environment dark signals that it’s time for rest. Using travel blackout blinds can be especially helpful in blocking out early morning sunlight and preventing premature wake-ups, particularly in the summer months or lighter climates.