One of the things my husband and I loved the most before having kids was traveling the world together. When we became parents, we made ourselves a promise: we wouldn’t stop exploring—we would simply take the kids along for the ride!

Living in Australia and having family in Colombia means long-haul flights are just part of our lifestyle. Over time, we’ve learned how to make flying with little ones not just bearable—but meaningful and enriching for everyone involved.

As my own mother used to say:

“The best gift and heritage I can give you are two things—education and travel. They’re treasures no one can ever take away.”

So if you’re a first-time mum or dad thinking about taking that leap (or flight!)—this blog is for you. 💛

Yes, it’s tough—but like anything, the more you do it, the better you get at it. Here’s to stress-free skies and beautiful destinations! 🌏

👶✈️ My Top Tips for Flying with Babies

 

🧳 1. Yoyo Pram and The Kmart Portable Booster Chair: Your Travel Bestie

The Yoyo pram is hands-down my #1 must-bring. It folds easily and fits in the overhead compartment if you bring the pram bag!

If you’re traveling with a baby and a toddler, I highly recommend the Yoyo Board so your toddler can hop on and ride stress-free through the airport.

The Portable Booster Chair (I recommend Kmart) is easy to carry, foldand makes stress-free the meal times if there is no high chair around. 

 

💺 2. Book Bassinet Seats

Always ask for bassinet seats, even if your baby doesn’t use the bassinet. The extra legroom gives you space to set down toys, snacks, or even stretch a bit. Some airlines charge extra—others don’t—so it’s worth calling ahead.

🤱 3. Baby Carrier

An absolute lifesaver. Useful during the flight when walking up and down the aisle, and perfect for city tours once you arrive. I love the Ergo Baby 360 carrier.

🎒 4. Carry-On Essentials: What to Pack

Here’s what I always have with me:

• 4–6 cotton baby onesies (I love the Bonds Wondersuits—easy to zip and super comfy)
• 10 disposable nappies (I normally use reusables but prefer disposables for flights)
• Water bottle (1L) – Yes, you can take water through security if it’s for your baby. Just explain! - I recommend our Cheeki 1 Litre insulated water bottle.
• Baby wipes – never too many!
• Frozen baby food/snacks – Your baby won’t get meals unless they have their own seat. Bring favorites!
• New toys or silent books – My favorite is “My Busy Day” by Curiuos Columbus. Keeps them quietly entertained.
• Plane Pal footrest – Great for extra comfort (some airlines allow it, some don’t—avoid emergency rows)

🎧 5. For Older Kids

• Bring kid-friendly headphones (I love I-Clever) and a cable to plug into the seat entertainment system. Airline headphones are often uncomfortable or don’t fit little heads.

🛏️ 6. Skip the Travel Cot

Most kid-friendly hotels or Airbnbs will provide one if you request it in advance. Instead, pack:

• An inflatable kids’ mattress or inflatable bed rail – I recommend Snoozy Monkey. It inflates easily and packs down small.

 

 

🧠 7. Pack Your ‘A’ Game Mindset

Lower your expectations around sleep and comfort. I remind myself:

“It’s not a three-day flight—it’s just a few hours. I’ll rest when I land.”

Keeping this mindset helps me stay calm and go with the flow.

💡 Bonus: I also added a few of my go-to travel items from our Tolu collection—like our lightweight beach towels, reusable water bottles, matching dad and son swimming shorts and comfy ponchos for little adventurers.

💛 Final Thoughts

So to you, first-time traveling parent, congrats on dreaming big. 🌍

Traveling with kids might not be “easy”—but it’s always worth it. The memories, the life lessons, and the joy of seeing the world through their eyes? Priceless.

Bon voyage, mama (and papa)! You’ve got this.

✨ Because the world doesn’t stop when we become parents—it just gets more exciting.

Lili! - Mum of two, Wife, Owner and Founder of Tolu Australia