How to Travel with a Newborn — Complete Guide

Travelling with a newborn sounds terrifying. It doesn't have to be. With the right gear and the right mindset, you can take your baby almost anywhere — and actually enjoy it.

Here's everything you need to know.

When Can You Travel with a Newborn?

Most paediatricians recommend waiting until baby is at least 2–3 months old for long-haul travel, though short trips are generally fine from birth. Always check with your doctor, especially for air travel.

The Golden Rules of Newborn Travel

• Pack light — you'll be carrying more than you think
• Bring portable gear — hotel rooms don't come with baby equipment
• Build in buffer time — everything takes longer with a baby
• Feed on takeoff and landing — swallowing helps with ear pressure
• Stick to sleep cues — familiar routines help baby settle in new environments

What to Pack for Newborn Travel

Sleep

• Portable baby space — the most important item on this list. The Avera Baby Space folds to 57 × 54 × 5.5 cm and weighs 2.1 kg — it fits in most overhead compartments and gives baby a familiar, safe sleep space wherever you are. The washable cover means hotel messes are no problem.
• 2–3 swaddle blankets
• White noise app on your phone

Feeding

• Nursing cover (if breastfeeding)
• Pre-measured formula portions in a dispenser (if formula feeding)
• Burp cloths x4

Changing

• Portable changing mat
• Nappies (more than you think)
• Fragrance-free wipes x2 packs
• Nappy bags
• Change of clothes x3 for baby, x1 for you

Comfort

• Baby carrier — essential for airports and sightseeing
• Dummy/pacifier if baby uses one
• Familiar toy or comforter

Flying with a Newborn

• Book a bassinet seat (bulkhead row) in advance — not all airlines offer them
• Arrive early — security with a baby takes time
• Use the baby carrier through security and boarding
• Feed during takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure
• Bring more nappies than you think you need
• Don't apologise for your baby — you're allowed to be there

Driving with a Newborn

• Plan stops every 2 hours for feeds and nappy changes
• Never leave baby in a hot car, even briefly
• Use a rear-facing car seat until at least 2 years old
• Travel during nap time when possible

The One Piece of Gear That Changes Everything

Experienced travelling parents all say the same thing: a portable, familiar sleep space is the single most important piece of travel gear for a newborn. When baby has their own space that smells familiar and feels safe, they settle faster in new environments.

The Avera Baby Space was built for exactly this — foldable, lightweight, breathable, and washable. It's the travel companion every new parent needs.

👉 Travel confidently with the Avera Baby Space — your baby's home away from home.