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Traveling With a Baby: Essential Tips for Thanksgiving & Christmas Vacations

Taking a Christmas vacation or a Thanksgiving getaway with a newborn can feel like you're gearing up for a mini-expedition, but with the right prep, it’s totally doable—and even enjoyable! Whether you're navigating airport terminals or hitting the open road, here’s everything you need to know about traveling with an infant over the holiday season.

When Can You Travel With a Newborn?

When is it actually safe to start traveling with a newborn? While every baby is different, most pediatricians recommend waiting until your baby is at least 2-3 months old for long trips. This waiting period gives their immune system time to develop before being exposed to crowded places like airports at Christmas. However, if you’re itching to get away sooner and your doctor gives you the green light, shorter or local trips might be just the ticket.

Prep Before Traveling With a Baby

Traveling with a baby over the holidays isn't just about tossing extra diapers in your bag. Whether you’re driving or flying, having a packing list and plan in place will save you from those last-minute surprises. With some strategy, you can avoid the holiday chaos and keep your travels from turning into a scene out of Home Alone.

Here’s how to make your holiday travel days smooth and stress-free.

Researching Family-Friendly Accommodations

Not all hotels or rentals are created equal when it comes to babies. Look for places that offer amenities like cribs, baby bathtubs, and even blackout curtains to create a comfortable sleep environment. Bonus points if the property includes extras like highchairs, bottle warmers, or even stroller rentals—fewer things to pack means less stress for you. It’s also worth reaching out to ask specific questions about baby-friendly services and checking reviews to see what other parents have experienced at the property.

Setting Up a Flexible Itinerary

Flexibility is your best friend when traveling with an infant over Christmas and Thanksgiving. Build in extra time for feedings, diaper changes, and the inevitable meltdowns—a packed schedule might look good on paper, but it can quickly become a recipe for stress and overstimulation. Allow room for spontaneous breaks, whether that’s a scenic detour or a much-needed nap.

Tips for Flying with an Infant

Flying with a baby can feel like a high-stakes mission, but a few strategic moves can make for smoother skiers from takeoff to landing.

Understanding Travel Policies for Infants

Flying with a baby over the holidays can feel like trying to pack Santa’s entire sleigh into a carry-on—there’s a lot to manage. Since every airline has its own rules about how to travel on a plane with an infant, doing a bit of research beforehand will save you from surprises at 30,000 feet. Some airlines offer free lap seats for babies under two, while others might provide early boarding or bassinets for long flights. Make sure you know the details before you book to take the stress out of holiday travel.

Choosing the Right Time to Fly

If possible, aim for a flight that lines up with your baby’s nap time. This will greatly reduce fussiness and make the journey more peaceful for both of you—because nothing hits harder than a well-timed snooze.

What to Pack in Your Diaper Bag

Keep it simple, but cover your bases. Pack extra clothes, diapers, wipes, snacks, pacifiers, and bottles. And don’t forget a toy or two to keep your little one entertained!

With the Tushbaby Hip Carrier, it’s even easier to streamline how you pack and travel with your little one. Tushbaby has five roomy pockets to hold all of the essentials for a busy travel day (theirs and yours) and even doubles as feeding support on the go. You get a carrier, diaper bag, and nursing pillow in one—which means fewer things to cram into your suitcase.

How to Secure a Bassinet on Long Flights

Heading off on a holiday vacation with a newborn? Many airlines offer bassinets for long-haul flights, but they’re often first-come, first-serve. Call the airline ahead of time to request one, and arrive early to improve your chances of snagging this coveted baby bed.

Managing Baby's Sleep During the Flight

White noise apps or portable sound machines can be lifesavers when it comes to managing baby’s sleep mid-flight. Make the environment as familiar as possible with a cozy blanket, a pacifier, and that snuggly toy they love. For more details on keeping little ears happy in the sky, check out our blog on How to Protect Your Baby’s Ears During a Flight.

Keep those pacis clean and close with The Pod, your in-flight MVP. When your little one’s gearing up for a mid-air meltdown, having a clean pacifier at arm’s reach can be a game-changer. Clip The Pod onto your Tushbaby carrier, and it’s right where you need it to keep baby out like a light—or at least, quiet-ish. No more digging through bags mid-flight or searching for a makeshift storage spot.

Tips for Road Trips With Infants

If planes aren’t your thing, a road trip with an infant is a great alternative. Here’s how to keep you and your tiny travel buddy merry and bright on the road.

Essential Packing List for Road Trips

Road-tripping with a baby? Pack The Tushbaby Hip Carrier and The Snug. With the Tushbaby’s hip seat, you can quickly pop baby up for pit stops or roadside views without breaking your back. Add The Snug for hands-free support when you need both hands to wrangle luggage or snacks. Plus, when baby’s ready to snooze, fold The Snug into the storage pocket—space on a road trip is sacred.

Your baby travel arsenal should also include the basics, like diapers, wipes, extra outfits, and baby-safe sunscreen. A few favorite toys can keep your little one entertained, and don’t forget the snacks—nobody wants a hangry baby (or parent). It’s also smart to bring along a simple first-aid kit, just in case of any minor bumps or scrapes on the road.

Planning Regular Stops for Breaks

No matter how tempting it is to power through, regular stops for feeding, diaper changes, and stretching are a must. Think of these stops as opportunities to reset, recharge, get some fresh air, and make the journey more enjoyable for both you and your baby.

Entertainment Ideas for Long Drives

Keeping your baby occupied during a long drive is all about mixing up the distractions. Holiday tunes on low, a lineup of festive baby-safe toys, and your go-to singalongs on repeat will keep their attention during the drive. And if they nod off, consider it a well-earned quiet moment for you to enjoy some alone time.

Safety Awareness for Newborns in the Car

Before you head out on that holiday road trip, make sure your little one is snug and secure in their rear-facing car seat. Double-check that it’s correctly installed and adjusted to fit, inspecting seat straps and buckles to ensure everything is properly fastened before you hit the road.

Whether you’re jet-setting across the country or searching for the best family vacations for Thanksgiving, traveling with a baby doesn’t have to be stressful. With thoughtful preparation and a little flexibility, you can enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Tushbaby’s supportive design and built-in storage make holiday travel easier, letting you focus on what really matters: making memories with your family. Shop now and make this your easiest travel season yet!