Traveling with a toddler may seem like a challenge, but with the right preparation it can also be a great adventure! Whether you're planning a quick trip out of town, a family vacation by the sea or your first plane trip - we've got a handful of proven tips for traveling with a toddler and feeding them away from home. We invite you to join us!
Why is it worth traveling with a small child?
Many parents hold off on traveling, waiting for their child to “grow up.” But the truth is that traveling with a toddler can be not only possible, but also very valuable—for the whole family. We understand your concerns and know that it may seem very difficult to organize and that you may feel discouraged at the thought of a longer trip with your little one. The key is to prepare well for the trip and have the right attitude, because focusing on the positives and advantages will make it easier for you to overcome the blockage in your head and fear. Here are a few reasons why it is worth hitting the road even with the youngest passenger:
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Building bonds: Time spent together outside the home promotes closeness and mindfulness in the here and now – without the distractions of everyday life.
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New stimuli: Even the shortest trip is a huge dose of new sounds, smells and sights for a child - they support sensory and cognitive development.
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Mental rest for parents: Although it requires preparation, travel can be a break from routine, and a change of scenery often helps put parenting into perspective.
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Safe Starts: The earlier you start traveling, the easier it will be to organize longer trips in the future – and the faster your child will get used to the changing environment.
Bonus advantage is returning to your old passions. If you loved traveling and visiting new places before - don't give it up! Of course, not right after leaving the maternity ward, nor in an extreme way, but still - traveling with a new family member can really be magical!
Short trips out of town
Short one-day trips are a great way to get your child used to traveling. They are also good "training" for a longer vacation - both for the child and the parents.
A trip to the forest, to the lake or to a rural agritourism farm can bring more joy (and peace) than many a foreign trip. Such a trip also has another advantage - the psychological comfort of not being far from home and being able to return at any time. This is important when you are just starting to travel and do not want to jump into the deep end.
Why is it worth organizing short trips?
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They do not require much packaging or logistics.
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It's easy to get home when you need it.
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Your toddler has the opportunity to have new experiences at a safe pace.
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They do not strain the household budget, nor do they require one parent to take vacation days.
Tips for parents:
Prepare your backpack well - always have a compact backpack with the most necessary things at hand:
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diapers and wet wipes,
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a change of clothes (preferably 2 sets),
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sunscreen or insect repellent – depending on the weather,
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a favourite toy or book – something familiar that calms you down and gives you a sense of security.
Take care of food and drink! Small children often get hungry when there is nothing nearby. That is why it is worth having on hand:
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light snacks (e.g. fresh fruit, purees in a tube, rusks and snacks for children - if you have already introduced them to your diet).
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bottled water and milk - and this is where our portable MyBabyBottle warmer comes in handy, allowing you to prepare perfectly warm milk in just a few minutes - without a socket, without stress, even in a forest clearing. And yes - you can heat up both breast milk and formula milk!
Vacation with a child
The first family vacation is more than just a trip – it’s a new chapter in parenthood. It may not be a vacation full of spontaneous decisions and lazy beach time, but it will certainly be full of tenderness, new experiences and… wonderful memories. You just have to prepare well. What should you remember?
What is worth planning before you hit the road?
Choose family-friendly places - if you want to focus on full comfort during your vacation, pay attention to whether the chosen place offers:
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a travel cot or the possibility of renting one,
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a kitchen or kitchenette – useful when preparing meals for your little one,
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washing machine or access to a laundry room – ideal for longer stays,
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a shaded area for relaxing outdoors.
A separate suitcase for a child is a must-have - it's definitely easier when all the little one's stuff is in one place. What to pack in it:
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clothes for all weather conditions (and at least 2 sets more than you plan),
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diapers (or check if you can buy them locally),
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cosmetics and creams (e.g. anti-chafing, with UV filter),
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formula milk and/or snacks,
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feeding accessories: bottles, pacifiers, bibs, spoons, etc.
Travel First Aid Kit for a Toddler - You know: nothing will happen! But it's better to be safe than sorry. Such basic equipment should include:
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thermometer,
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fever medicine (age-appropriate),
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remedy for bites and burns,
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preparation for diarrhea/dehydration,
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plasters, saline, nasal aspirator.
Not every room has a microwave and not every apartment even has a kettle. That's why the portable MyBabyBottle warmer is a lifesaver for parents:
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will always heat water or milk to the perfect temperature,
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does not require connection to a socket - it runs on a battery (but it is worth keeping the battery charged!)
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works well in a hotel, in the car, on the beach or during a long walk.
Don't plan every day from morning to night. Children - especially the youngest ones - have their own rhythms. The rule works well: one attraction a day + plenty of time to be together freely . It may turn out that the best part of the trip will be rolling around on a blanket together or taking a nap in the shade with the sound of waves in the background.
Feeding while traveling by car
Traveling with a child by car is one of the most convenient solutions for families – especially those with a baby or toddler. It offers great flexibility: you can stop whenever you want, take more luggage and adjust your daily schedule to your child's rhythm. But – as with parenting – the key is good preparation.
Safety first - we know that this is an absolute foundation and an obvious obviousness, but remember to choose a properly selected car seat , adapted to the age and weight of the child. Check that the seat is installed correctly - this is an absolute priority.
Match the trip to your child's daily routine - if your child doesn't like driving, try:
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leave when he is napping – he will fall asleep more easily and miss part of the route,
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drive in the evening or early morning when there is less traffic and the child is sleepier.
Remember to stop. This is very important! It is said that you should stop every 2-3 hours, but it is best to consult your doctor - maybe in your case you will be able to stop less often.
Air travel and feeding your baby
Flying with an infant is a big experience – but it is also completely doable! The most important thing is to plan your hand luggage and prepare for changes in pressure.
Always carry a spare bottle of milk and snacks with you – a portable heater will allow you to quickly prepare a warm meal on board (e.g. before boarding, but also during the flight)
During take-off and landing, encourage your baby to suck – this can be from a bottle, breast or pacifier – this helps to equalise the pressure.
Feeding on the train
Trains are a convenient form of travel – the child is not “fastened” with seat belts, you can walk, change positions and it is easier to occupy the little one. Choose seats at a table or in family carriages – some trains have special zones for parents with children. Plan activities: books, contrast cards, snacks. It is worth having MyBabyBottle with you – a warmer for every occasion , which will fit in your bag and will allow you to heat milk without stress, even if the train is delayed.
A heater that travels with you
Regardless of where and how you travel - your daily rhythm with a toddler is primarily the rhythm of feedings . In the case of both breastfed and formula-fed babies, the right conditions for serving a meal are crucial for the child's comfort and the parents' peace of mind.
That's why it's worth having the MyBabyBottle portable milk and water warmer with you, which:
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works wirelessly – it has a built-in battery, so you don’t need a socket,
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heats milk to the perfect temperature – without the risk of overheating,
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works well in a car, hotel, plane, airport or forest ,
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It is lightweight and compact – it will fit in a carry-on bag or even in a stroller organizer.
It is an irreplaceable solution in situations when you need a quick and safe way to feed your baby on the go . Thanks to it, you can prepare formula milk without stress in the car during a stop, on a park bench, or even while waiting for boarding at the airport.
Breastfeeding mothers can also take advantage of its possibilities – for example, when feeding expressed milk from a bottle, which makes it easier to feed babies in all conditions, especially when there are no comfortable places to feed or you need a moment of respite.
In summary: feeding your baby on the go doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful. The key is good preparation, flexibility and the right accessories. Regardless of whether your baby is exclusively breastfed , formula fed or uses a variety of feeding methods – it’s important to take care of their comfort and daily rhythm. With the right support, you can calmly discover the world together – from the first months of life!
