When should baby start travelling?
A guide to travelling safely and comfortably with your baby
Many new parents wonder when they can start travelling with their baby. How young is too young? Are there any restrictions or practical issues to be aware of? The good news is that, with a little planning, it’s possible to travel safely with a baby - whether it’s a short trip to visit family or your first family holiday abroad.
How soon can you travel with a baby?
There’s no official rule about the minimum age for travel, but most healthcare professionals recommend waiting until your baby is around six to eight weeks old before taking a long journey. This allows time for your baby’s immune system to develop and for you to establish feeding routines.
Most airlines allow babies to fly from two weeks old, but many parents prefer to wait until around three months, particularly for international flights. Always check your airline’s policy before booking - a few carriers, such as Emirates and Qatar Airways, specify a minimum age of two weeks and may require a doctor’s letter if flying earlier.
It’s also worth remembering that your baby will need their own passport before travelling abroad, and you’ll need to factor in the processing time when planning your trip. For full details on how to apply for a baby’s first passport, see our guide: How to apply for a baby’s passport.
Practical things to think about before you travel
How to make the journey easier
Travelling with a baby is all about planning and flexibility. Here are a few small things that can make a big difference:
- Keep to familiar routines: Try to plan travel around your baby’s usual nap and feeding times where possible.
- Use your SnoozeShade as a sleep cue: Putting it over the pram signals to your baby that it’s time to rest, even in new environments.
- Take your time: Give yourself longer at airports and service stations. Rushing adds stress for everyone.
- Pack smart: Bring essentials in your hand luggage — nappies, wipes, spare clothes, bottles, muslins and a favourite comforter.
- Don’t forget paperwork: Passport, insurance, travel consent (if only one parent is travelling) and any medication or GP letters if needed.
Final thoughts: travel confidence comes with preparation
Travelling with your baby can feel daunting at first, but once you’ve done it, your confidence will grow quickly. Focus on keeping things simple and sticking as closely as you can to your baby’s familiar routines. SnoozeShade can make this much easier by providing a dark, calm environment wherever you go — whether that’s on a flight, in a hire car, or out at dinner.
Tip: A SnoozeShade isn’t just for holidays — use it on days out, weekends away, or even for naps in the garden. It’s one piece of kit that genuinely makes travel with a baby easier.
Every baby is different, so always plan with your little one’s temperament and health in mind. With a bit of organisation, the right gear, and realistic expectations, your first trip together can be calm, comfortable and memorable for all the right reasons.
References:
NHS (2024). Travelling with a baby
British Airways (2025). Flying with infants and toddlers
Emirates & Qatar Airways (2025). Infant travel policies
SnoozeShade (2025). Using SnoozeShade on a plane. Read more
