Travelling overseas with a baby? Best you have a sense of humour! Whether it’s the long flight, jet lag, or the endless packing, travelling with a baby can be a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s one of those experiences where everything goes wrong, but the best thing you can do is laugh and roll with the punches. While the thought of managing your baby’s needs in a foreign country can be overwhelming, embracing the chaos with a sense of humour makes all the difference. Amy Lalouette from Mommy's Off her Meds shares her story to help you navigate international travel with a baby, all while keeping things light-hearted and stress-free.
Himself and I were trying to take a tour of the Alcazar, one of Spain’s famous palaces. When we had first approached the castle, Slytherin Baby leaned forward, head cocked, eyes wide as she stared in fascination at the carvings on the wall, soaking in the atmosphere like a seasoned traveller. I was so proud. Slytherin Baby seemed to be getting a real taste for international travel.
And then we entered the palace.
“I am afraid you cannot take a crying baby on the tour.” The tour guide seemed to be trying to sound apologetic while he watched Slytherin Baby flail, arch, scream and grab at the heavy brocade curtains that lined the windows.
“No problem,” I repeated as I dodged one of her kicks, tried to unwind the pram strap that had somehow managed to get snagged around my neck and unhook Slytherin Baby from the curtains she was now trying to climb like a cat confronted with medication.
“The tour starts in two minutes.”
“No problem,” I hissed, trying to contort my kid into the baby sling, while she did her best Jackie Chan impression – kicking, punching and screaming incoherently.
“What can I do?” asked Himself, hovering over us.
“Dummy!” I ordered. Slytherin Baby grabbed a hunk of my hair and yanked.
“Where did you put the dummy? I don’t know where to look!”
I muttered a suggestion of where he might like to start looking.
“I cannot hold the tour for you, we must start on schedule,” insisted the tour guide.
I dropped the baby sling, clamped my squalling infant firmly under my arm, reached my free hand into the nappy bag and produced the dummy. I glared at my husband, my child and the tour guide in turn. The men backed away; Slytherin Baby opened her mouth to yell at me some more. I pushed the dummy into her mouth and held it there, stifling her next round of complaints.
I slid into the back of the tour group, separated from Himself by a gaggle of Americans, just in time to hear the story of the Portuguese queen who had lived there hundreds of years before. Slytherin Baby and I looked at each other.
“Don’t even think about it,” I hissed. “You might be Portuguese, you might have the same name, but you are not a queen.” Slytherin Baby merely looked down her regal little nose at me.
For the next 20 minutes, I had one hand clamped firmly around my daughter who wriggled, arched and craned around, trying to see everything she could, and the other hand alternatively trying to keep the dummy in her mouth and stop her grabbing priceless artifacts. I tried not to take it personally that the palace’s security guard trailed us like an unamused shadow, watching my daughter’s grabby little hands.
“You might be Portuguese, you might have the same name, but you are not a queen.”
Slytherin Baby’s larceny tendencies aside, we didn’t seem to be disturbing anyone too much. Until we entered the portrait gallery. Here the tour guide started to tell us more about the life of the queen. I relaxed my grip for half a second and Slytherin Baby managed to spit her dummy onto the floor. Checking quickly to see if Himself or the Americans had noticed, I dove down to pick it up, brushed it twice against my pants and was about to shove it back in her mouth when Slytherin Baby, glaring at the guide, suddenly screamed, “Bwwaa, raaah, GHA!”
“Stop it!” I hissed, trying to move backward, away from the group, but found my way blocked by a bunch of unamused Germans.
“Gwee, maa –”
I shoved the dummy back in her mouth and whispered furiously, “Don’t you dare use those words!” convinced my daughter had just been cussing in baby talk. The tour guide shot Slytherin Baby a nervous look, which she returned with a black glare, and he hurried to the next room.
“Ghwa dah,” she muttered softly, staring at a portrait of the queen and her family as the security guard and I followed the group.
“Well that was fascinating,” said Himself, when we ended the tour and entered the courtyard.
“Bwwaa, raah, gha,” I muttered under my breath and shoved Slytherin Baby back into her pram. She alternated between glaring at the tourists and staring at the fountain in the centre of the courtyard.
“What was that?” Himself asked.
“Nothing,” I replied. “Do you believe in reincarnation?”
“No. Why do you ask?”
“No reason,” I replied, looking at Slytherin Baby, who was gazing wistfully at the castle entrance.
BabyYumYum FAQ’s: How to Survive Travelling Overseas with a Baby
Is it safe to travel internationally with a baby?
Yes, international travel with a baby is generally safe, provided your child is healthy and you’ve taken the proper precautions such as vaccinations, travel insurance, and a doctor’s clearance if needed.
What documents do I need when flying with my baby?
You’ll need a valid passport for your baby and in South Africa, an unabridged birth certificate is often required especially if only one parent is travelling. Always check visa and documentation requirements for your destination.
Should I book a separate seat for my baby?
Most airlines allow babies under two to fly for free or at a reduced cost on your lap. However, for long-haul flights, booking a separate seat with an approved car seat can be more comfortable and safer.
What should I pack in my hand luggage?
Essentials include:
- Nappies and wipes
- A full change of clothes (for you and baby)
- Snacks or formula
- Bottles and dummies
- Favourite toys or comfort items
- Any medication
- Pack double what you think you’ll need – you never know about delays.
How do I handle baby’s ears during take-off and landing?
Encourage sucking, offer a dummy, bottle, or breastfeed your baby during take-off and descent to relieve ear pressure.
What’s the best time of day to fly with a baby?
If possible, book a flight that matches your baby’s nap or sleep time. Many parents prefer overnight flights to maximise sleep and minimise fuss.
Can I bring formula or expressed breast milk through security?
Yes. Most international airports will allow baby food, formula, or breast milk through security even in quantities over 100ml. Declare them at security and keep them easily accessible.
How can I get baby to sleep on the plane?
Create a familiar sleep routine: change them into pyjamas, use a sleep sack, and bring a favourite blanket or soft toy. Dimming lights and avoiding overstimulation can also help.
What if baby cries a lot during the flight?
Babies cry and that is normal. Stay calm, try different soothing techniques (feeding, rocking, white noise) and ignore any judgement from others. Most fellow passengers are more understanding than you expect.
Do I need to bring a pram or baby carrier?
A lightweight, foldable pram is useful and can often be gate-checked. A baby carrier is essential for hands-free mobility in busy airports and sightseeing spots.
How can I keep baby’s routine while travelling?
Try to maintain feeding and sleep times as much as possible, even across time zones. Be flexible but consistent with comfort items and routines that feel like home.
What health precautions should I take?
Check with your GP or travel clinic about vaccinations for the country you’re visiting. Pack a basic baby first aid kit, and have the contact details of local medical services where you’re going.
Disclaimer: This information provides general advice on international travel with a baby and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or legal guidance. Always consult a healthcare provider before flying with a newborn or if your baby has special health needs.
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