Travelling with a newborn might sound insane, but I’ve found it to be one of the most rewarding experiences for parents and babies. Having had three children, I was lucky to travel during three separate maternity leaves and many other trips. Parental leave is a wonderful time to explore, as newborns are surprisingly portable and adaptable to new environments.
We’ve discovered that with a bit of planning, travel during maternity leave can be both affordable and enriching. Through home exchanges, flight hacks, and clever packing, we’ve been able to travel extensively without breaking the bank. In this article, I’ll share our experiences, offer practical health and safety advice, and inspire you to discover the many benefits of travelling with your newborn.
Maternity leave is a unique time in a family’s life. It’s an opportunity to bond with your baby away from the pressures of work and daily routines, and it’s also the perfect time to travel. Taking a trip with a newborn offers the chance to create special memories as a family and enjoy the freedom of your baby’s flexible routines before they become more mobile and things can get more complicated.
For us, travel has always been a way to connect as a family and step away from the everyday considerations of life. By the time we had our third baby, we had become more accustomed to travelling as a family, and we continued to explore by embarking on extended trips and sabbaticals. Our stays have ranged from rented homes and campervans to home exchanges and camping, making it easy to find affordable ways to explore new destinations.
'For us, travel has always been a way to connect as a family and step away from the everyday considerations of life.'
Dr Rebecca Ryell and kids on a family holiday.
As a GP, I understand that health and safety are top priorities when it comes to travelling with a baby. But what many parents don’t realise is that babies, especially those not yet eating solid foods, are often at lower risk of illness when travelling. Breastfeeding provides a natural defence and formula-fed babies can travel safely with the right precautions.
For example, when we took our 6-week-old baby to Sri Lanka, no additional vaccinations were required beyond those already scheduled in the UK. This made it easy to plan our trip for straight after his first set of immunisations. I used a microwave steriliser when bottle-feeding, but there are many other portable sterilising options available that make it easy to keep things clean and safe while on the move.
Some key tips for health and safety include:
Vaccinations: Always check with your GP to ensure your baby is up to date with routine immunisations. In some cases, no additional vaccines are necessary for babies under 6 months, especially if they’re exclusively breastfed.
Medical kit: A well-prepared medical kit is essential. We always carried infant paracetamol, and thrush cream. While most places we have travelled to have had excellent healthcare, it can be good to take things that you often need.
Travel gear: Investing in the right travel gear can make all the difference. We found a fold-down bouncy chair and a Britax lie-flat baby sleeper were lifesavers, providing safe, portable resting spaces for our babies throughout our travels.
Start close to home: Our first trip with a newborn was to Brittany, France. It was more acceptable to our families to be going somewhere nearby and eased us into the experience at our own pace. I've always thought you need the same stuff with you when popping to the corner shop with a baby as you do to travel around the world, but it's good to get your confidence before you go. The most important thing when travelling with children is that the parents are relaxed, everything else just falls into place that way.
Expanding horizons: As we became more comfortable, we ventured further afield to places like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Singapore. Southeast Asia was incredibly welcoming, with excellent family facilities and the kindness of strangers who were always ready to help. People were genuinely interested in making a fuss of the children and what parent does not enjoy other people doting on how beautiful their babies are? Generally, we have found that when we travel, people all over the world want you to feel safe, welcomed and to have a great time in their country. This is amplified when you travel with children. At times we really had the red carpet pulled out for us and had benefits such as being jumped to the front of the queue, the best seats and fantastic hospitality.
'I've always thought you need the same stuff with you when popping to the corner shop with a baby as you do to travel around the world, but it's good to get your confidence before you go.'
USA Campervan Road Trip: One of our most unforgettable adventures was a three-month campervan journey across the USA. We started in San Francisco, drove down the coast to San Diego, crossed into Mexico, and then travelled through the surprisingly beautiful and diverse landscapes of Texas. From there, we explored the Deep South, enjoyed the vibrant New Orleans Jazz Festival, and even swam with manatees in Florida. Heading north, we delved into Civil War history in Georgia before following Route 66 to iconic destinations such as Las Vegas, Yosemite, Zion National Park, and the Grand Canyon, eventually returning to San Francisco.
Travelling by campervan was ideal for us. We had everything we needed with us—whether it was a safe place for the baby to nap, or a kitchen to prepare meals on the go. Campervanning also turned out to be a very affordable way to travel, especially as we rented out our home while we were away. State parks in the USA offer incredible family-friendly facilities, often at a fraction of the cost of hotels, making long-term travel both practical and budget-friendly.
Affordable travel tips: Over the years, we’ve become experts at finding affordable ways to travel. Home exchanges, longer-term rentals, and camping allowed us to explore new places while keeping costs down. With a bit of flexibility and creativity, it’s possible to enjoy extended trips without spending a fortune.
Travel is not just about seeing new places—it also has incredible benefits for both the baby and parents. Babies thrive in environments where their parents are happy and relaxed, and travel can provide that much-needed shift in energy.
For the baby: Early exposure to new sights, sounds, and experiences can stimulate a baby’s development, and they often adapt more easily than we expect. Babies benefit from seeing their parents in a relaxed and happy state, which helps foster a peaceful, nurturing atmosphere.
For the parents: Travelling offers a break from the isolation that many parents experience during maternity leave. It opens up new opportunities to connect with others and provides a sense of adventure and freedom. Meeting other families and receiving the kindness of strangers while travelling often helps create a sense of community and support. On our trips, especially in places like Sri Lanka and Thailand, locals were so warm and welcoming to our family, making each experience even more memorable.
Pack smart: Travelling with a baby doesn’t mean packing everything but the kitchen sink. We quickly learned that packing light was the key to stress-free travel. Focus on essentials like nappies, wipes, and a few changes of clothes, as most destinations will have everything else you need.
Choose baby-friendly accommodation: We found that a mix of rented homes, home exchanges, and campervans worked best for our family. Having access to a kitchen, laundry facilities, and extra space made life easier, especially when travelling with a baby and two older children.
Take it slow: Travelling with a newborn means embracing a slower pace. Instead of rushing from one sight to the next, we found joy in exploring places at our baby’s rhythm, taking the time to enjoy the moment and relax.
Travelling with a newborn might seem challenging at first, but it’s an adventure worth taking. With the right mindset, careful planning, and a willingness to go with the flow, you can enjoy the world while making the most of your maternity leave. Whether it’s a road trip across New Zealand, a family holiday in Thailand, or a campervan journey through the USA, the possibilities are endless.
Remember, babies are adaptable, and when parents are happy and relaxed, babies benefit too. Adventure truly does start early, and there’s no better time than now to pack your bags and explore the world with your little one by your side.
''Remember, babies are adaptable, and when parents are happy and relaxed, babies benefit too. Adventure truly does start early, and there’s no better time than now to pack your bags and explore the world with your little one by your side.''
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