Preparing for Your First Family Vacation

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Your first family vacation after having a baby is a big milestone. It’s a chance to step outside your daily routine, bond as a family, and maybe even relax—just a little. But let’s be real: traveling with a baby is not the same as those spontaneous pre-kid getaways. With the right planning and mindset, though, it can still be wonderful.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about preparing for your first family vacation. From baby travel tips to packing strategies, you’ll get practical advice that helps set realistic expectations and keeps the stress to a minimum.

Why This Vacation Feels So Different (and That’s Okay)

You’ve probably realized by now that traveling with a baby isn’t as simple as tossing swimsuits and sunscreen into a bag and heading out the door. You’re now packing for nap schedules, feeding needs, diaper blowouts, and potential meltdowns at 30,000 feet.

That said, your baby doesn’t need a luxury itinerary—they need comfort, flexibility, and you. The key to enjoying your first vacation with baby is embracing the unpredictability and planning just enough to create ease without over-scheduling every minute.

Step 1: Choose a Baby-Friendly Destination

When preparing for your first family vacation, your destination sets the tone. Some important questions to ask:

Is it easy to get there (driving vs. flying)?
Are there baby-friendly travel amenities (cribs, high chairs, blackout curtains)?
Will there be nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, or medical facilities?
Can we enjoy the area without needing a rigid schedule?

Many families love destinations with nature access, short travel times, and accommodations with kitchenettes. Think: beach towns, mountain cabins, or family resorts that cater to young kids.

Pro Tip: Avoid destinations with packed agendas or time zone changes—those can throw your baby (and your sanity) for a loop.

Step 2: Timing Is Everything

The best time to travel with a baby often depends on your baby’s age and temperament. Here are some general baby travel tips:

Younger than 6 months? Babies this age often sleep a lot and aren’t mobile, making traveling with a baby a bit easier (believe it or not).
Between 6–12 months? This age brings mobility and curiosity, so plan for more hands-on engagement.
After 12 months? Be ready for snack runs, toddler negotiations, and a little more gear.

Try to schedule travel times during naps if you’re flying or on the road. Avoid starting a trip during a sleep regression or teething episode if possible. These family vacation planning choices can help reduce meltdowns for everyone.

Step 3: Packing Smart, Not Heavy

We get it—packing for a baby can feel like preparing for a minor expedition. But with a streamlined approach, you can take what you need without overloading the car or suitcase.

Baby Travel Essentials:

Diapers and wipes (bring more than you think you’ll need!)
Changing pad and extra clothes (yes, for you too)
Baby carrier or lightweight stroller
Feeding supplies (bottles, pump, formula, snacks)
Portable crib or play yard
Favorite sleep items (white noise machine, lovey, blanket)
Toys, books, or comfort items

Pro Tip: Use packing cubes to stay organized. One for diapers, one for feeding gear, one for clothes, etc.

And if you’re flying, remember: You can check baby gear like strollers and car seats for free on most airlines. These baby travel tips can make travel days feel a lot less chaotic., remember: You can check baby gear like strollers and car seats for free on most airlines.

Step 4: Keep the Routine…ish

Babies love routine, and travel can throw that completely off. But consistency where you can manage it—especially around sleep and feedings—can make a big difference.

Bring familiar sleep cues like their favorite sleep sack, sound machine, and even crib sheets if you can. Try to stick to their general nap times, even if naps happen in a car seat or carrier.

Also, prepare for jet lag if you’re crossing time zones. Babies take a few days to adjust just like adults do, so give yourselves grace during your baby-friendly travel adventures.

Step 5: Getting There with a Baby (Without Losing It)

Traveling with a baby doesn’t have to be a nightmare—it just requires a few hacks.

If You’re Flying:

Feed during takeoff and landing to reduce ear pressure
Use gate check for strollers and car seats
Book a window seat for breastfeeding or fewer disturbances
Bring a small blanket and extra zip-top bags for unexpected messes

These flying with an infant strategies can help keep everyone comfortable in the air.

If You’re Driving:

Plan for frequent breaks
Time your departure around naps
Have easy-access bags with snacks, wipes, and toys
Never underestimate the power of singing silly songs in traffic

For road trips with a baby, flexibility and snacks are your best friends.

Step 6: Expect Less, Enjoy More

Here’s a gentle reminder: your first family vacation is not about perfection. It’s about creating memories, even if they involve a diaper explosion at a scenic overlook.

Be ready for plans to shift. Maybe you skip the fancy dinner for a pizza night in the hotel room. Maybe the beach is too hot, so you go back for a nap. That’s all okay.

Set one simple goal a day—like exploring a park or eating at a local café—and let the rest unfold.

Step 7: Traveling with Extended Family or Friends

Many new parents choose to travel with grandparents, siblings, or close friends—especially for their first vacation with baby. Extra hands can be a lifesaver. But it also adds a new dynamic that’s worth thinking through.

Before the trip, have a gentle conversation about expectations. Discuss:

Who will help with baby care and when
Your baby’s routine and boundaries (nap times, screen time, etc.)
How you’ll handle activities—together or separately

Example: One couple brought their in-laws to a beach rental. The in-laws offered to take the baby for a walk each morning, giving the parents time for coffee and conversation. “It was the first time we felt like ourselves again,” the mom said.

On the flip side, too many people—or too many opinions—can create stress. Make sure you and your partner stay aligned on what’s best for your family.—can create stress. Make sure you and your partner stay aligned on what’s best for your family.

Step 8: Dining Out with a Baby

Eating out on vacation is one of life’s great pleasures… until your baby decides otherwise. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy local cuisine. It just means adjusting how and when you go out.

Tips for Dining Out:

Go early when restaurants are quieter
Choose casual, baby-welcoming restaurants with high chairs
Bring your own utensils, bibs, and snacks
Be ready to bounce, walk, or take turns eating

Don’t be afraid to ask for a table near the exit or outside. And if all else fails, order takeout and enjoy it in your room or on the patio. Traveling with a baby means rethinking what counts as a “good” meal—and sometimes, it’s one you eat with both hands free.

Step 9: Making Time for Yourself

This might sound bold, but yes—you deserve some rest on vacation, too. If you’re traveling with your partner or support person, try trading off a few solo hours. A short walk, a long shower, or even reading on the porch while the baby naps can be truly refreshing.

If you’re vacationing solo with baby, build in small pockets of peace. Try a babywearing walk with your favorite podcast or sipping tea during a nap window. Remember, recharging doesn’t have to be fancy.

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s how you sustain joy.

Real-Life Example: Emma’s First Family Vacation

Emma, a new mom from Seattle, took her 4-month-old to a lakeside cottage with her partner. They chose a location within a 3-hour drive and booked a place with a kitchen and washer/dryer. Emma packed light, stuck to a loose routine, and spent most of the trip going on short walks and enjoying quiet evenings.

“I thought we’d be doing hikes and boat rides,” she said. “But honestly, rocking on the porch with a sleepy baby felt like the real vacation.”

That’s the kind of baby-friendly travel story we love to hear.

Real-Life Example: Jake and Sarah’s Road Trip Reset

Jake and Sarah were nervous about their first family vacation with 9-month-old Lily. They decided on a national park road trip, complete with a rented cabin and zero Wi-Fi.

Instead of packing their days with sightseeing, they focused on slow mornings, mid-day naps, and evening campfires. “We hiked with Lily in a carrier and let her nap in the car on scenic drives,” Jake said. “It wasn’t the adventure we’d take pre-kids, but it felt like we were reconnecting as a family.”

They came home tired—but deeply refreshed.

Final Checklist: Preparing for Your First Family Vacation

Here’s a quick recap of what you’ll want to do:

✅ Choose a baby-friendly destination
✅ Travel during ideal times (naps, not overtired hours)
✅ Pack with intention—not panic
✅ Maintain some of your baby’s routine
✅ Prepare for hiccups with humor and flexibility
✅ Focus on connection, not perfection

Extra Tip: Create a “Vacation Baby Bag”

While your regular diaper bag might cut it for errands, a travel bag needs to cover more ground. Consider this your baby travel tips survival kit.

Include:

Baby’s birth certificate (for flights)
Emergency contacts and insurance cards
Lightweight blankets or shawls
Extra pacifiers and toys
Medications and a mini first-aid kit
Sanitizing wipes and hand gel

Pack this bag once and keep it fully stocked throughout your trip. It’ll save you scrambling every time you head out for the day.

Bonus Advice: Don’t Judge the Vacation by the Photos

You might have imagined scenic sunsets with your baby peacefully sleeping beside you… but instead, your phone is full of blurry stroller selfies, half-eaten sandwiches, and someone crying in the background (possibly you).

Here’s a truth bomb: The value of your first family vacation isn’t in how “Instagram-worthy” it is. It’s in how you showed up for each other, rolled with the chaos, and maybe found some joy in unexpected places.

You’ve Got This

Preparing for your first family vacation may feel overwhelming at times, but it’s also an exciting step forward. You’re building new memories with your little one—and that’s something to celebrate.

If you’re still in the thick of postpartum life, know that you don’t have to do it alone. Our postpartum doulas at Bay City Postpartum Doulas are here to help you feel supported and empowered—at home and beyond.

Thank you for reading this week’s blog post, “Preparing for Your First Family Vacation” For more helpful tips and tricks on all things pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood, click here!