Traveling with a baby

Postnatal

Be well prepared, surround yourself with the right people, and enjoy yourself to the fullest

Planning your first trip with a baby can seem daunting, especially if it involves flying. However, with the right tools, reliable information, and a healthy dose of flexibility, the experience can be not only feasible, but enjoyable. All you need to do is adapt your pace, carefully plan the essentials, and adjust your expectations.

This article is not an exhaustive guide, but rather an overview of the important points to consider when traveling with a young child with peace of mind.

Choosing the right destination

Certain considerations are essential when choosing a destination:

  • Temperature
  • Health risks
  • Political stability
  • Travel time

If you opt for an all-inclusive trip, check whether the hotel offers family-friendly facilities: strollers, playpens, cribs, high chairs, childcare services, children’s pools, etc. Some chains offer a “Welcome Baby!” or “Baby Welcome” package, designed to lighten the load for families.

If you are traveling with a child for the first time, choose nearby destinations. Experience, confidence, and organization improve with time.

Traveling by car with a baby

According to the SAAQ (2024), there is no contraindication to traveling by car with a baby, regardless of age, as long as safety rules are followed. It is also recommended that you have your car seat installation checked before the birth, ideally around 35 weeks of pregnancy.

On long trips, plan breaks every two hours to change the baby’s position, provide necessary care, and avoid the risk of positional asphyxia.

➤ For more information:
Les Petits Baroudeurs
La Presse – Sleeping in a car seat

Traveling by plane with a baby

Minimum age for flying

It is recommended to wait:

  • 1 week old for a flight of less than 2 hours
  • 3 weeks old for a longer flight

Useful guides for preparing for a family trip

  • Lonely Planet – Traveling with your family
  • Ulysse Guide – Family
  • BB Jetlag
  • Terres d’Aventure – Family Travel

Ticket reservations

Babies under 2 years old can travel for free or at a low cost on a parent’s lap. However, fees (taxes or a percentage of the adult ticket price) may apply. Most airlines allow you to purchase tickets online, but some require you to add them by phone.

Onboard amenities

It is sometimes possible to reserve a small travel bed (extra crib) for babies under 1 year old. You can also bring a car seat that is compatible with airplane seats—check with the airline to confirm.

➤ See this list: Baby travel accessories – Globe-trotting

Parents’ needs

Traveling with young children requires energy. It is essential to consider your physical and mental state. Do you need rest, a change of scenery, or a break from your daily routine? Before choosing a destination, ask yourself what your needs are, without being influenced by the idealized images conveyed on social media.

Required documents

To obtain a passport for a child:

  • Provide proof of Canadian citizenship (birth or citizenship certificate)
  • Allow for processing time
  • Comply with photo requirements for children

A letter of consent is not required by law if only one parent is traveling with the child, but it is strongly recommended to avoid complications at customs.

➤ Details at travel.gc.ca

Vaccinations

Before departure, consult a healthcare professional to find out if any additional vaccinations are required for your destination. Some travel health clinics offer personalized assistance.

➤ See: Vaccinations and Travel Health – Government of Canada

Prohibited or restricted items

Before packing your bags, check the CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority) rules to find out which items are allowed or prohibited on planes:

Each airline also has its own baggage policies (dimensions, types allowed in the cabin, contents, etc.). For families, certain exceptions apply:

  • Liquids for babies (formula, milk, water, juice) may exceed 100 ml.
  • However, they must be declared at security.

Helpful tip: Use an insulated bag to transport milk, as it cannot be refrigerated on board.

Don’t forget baby essentials (diapers, wipes, change of clothes, bottles, toys, etc.), which you can distribute among the family’s luggage.

➤ Details on luggage for babies:
CATSA – Tips for families

Practical tips for the big day

  • A baby carrier is very practical at the airport: hands free and baby reassured.
  • Take advantage of pre-boarding to settle in calmly.
  • A baby under 2 years old can travel on your lap.
  • Bring a blanket and a hat: the temperature is often cool on board.
  • Bring snacks or meals suitable for your child’s age. (onboard services are limited).
  • Always allow a few hours after landing for any unforeseen circumstances.

Ear pain on the plane

Pressure changes during takeoff and landing can cause ear pain. To relieve your baby’s discomfort, offer them something to suck on (breast, bottle, pacifier). Sucking promotes swallowing and helps balance pressure.

As a preventive measure, you can clean your baby’s airways with saline solution and a nasal aspirator 2 to 3 times a day during the week before departure.

Returning home

After the trip, watch for fever or any other unusual symptoms. A medical consultation is recommended for young babies if you have any concerns.

Ideally, plan a few days of rest at home before resuming your routine: returning to your usual schedule, especially after jet lag, can take some time, both for the child and the parent.

Traveling with a baby is above all a human adventure rich in learning experiences. By being well prepared, you’ll give yourself the best chance to enjoy it fully, at your own pace.

Marie Fortier
The baby expert

Updated: April 2025.

Other blog articles related to this topic:

References : 

 

 

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The mariefortier.com website and the comprehensive information it contains are intended as practical tools for expectant parents preparing for the arrival of their baby. These are not meant to replace the skills, knowledge, and experience of qualified health professionals who are familiar with the facts, circumstances, and symptoms specific to each individual. As such, Marie Fortier Inc. and its employees cannot be held responsible for any potential adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of information provided on this website. It is the user’s responsibility to consult a physician or other qualified health professional for personal matters concerning them.